Prosecutor Case Study Exercise
Law & Justice Day was held March 9, 2018 at the Kitsap County Administration Building in Port Orchard. Class members took an in-depth look at Kitsap’s law and justice institutions. It was a powerful day reflective of our Positive Leadership capacity of Community Building.
Jon Rauch (LK17), Bremerton Kitsap Access Television (BKAT) Program Director, led off the day by sharing opportunities for the class to use Leadership Kitsap’s BKAT Membership to check out equipment and how to use BKAT’s services to promote their projects and community partners. Project Co-Chairs Jeffrey Menge (LK17) and Carli Schmitz (LK17) followed up the conversation with project team reports.
Board Member Jennifer Yeaman (LK11) facilitated a discussion of the Positive Leadership capacity of Community Building. One participant shared, “It is the role of a leader to help build the community. I know that to improve my leadership skills I need to focus on my community building skills.” The theme was woven throughout the day.
Sheriff Simpson & Chief Hamner
Undersheriff John Gese (LK04), facilitated a law enforcement panel discussion with Kitsap County Sheriff, Gary Simpson (LK97) and Bainbridge Island Police Chief, Matt Hamner (LK16). One participant reflected on the discussion, “[I learned] the concept that police are not first responders but are last responders. It’s complicated.” Among the many topics covered were how the various local law enforcement agencies work together and reinforced the day’s Community Building theme.
Kitsap County Prosecutor, Tina Robinson gave an overview of the prosecutor’s office. Chief of the Felony and Juvenile Court Division, Chad Enright (LK15) and Senior Deputy Prosecutor Cami Lewis (LK11) led an engaging case study exercise revealing the complexities of the prosecutor’s office.
LK Board President Carrie Eastman with Hon. Judge Claire Bradley
Honorable Judge Claire Bradley (LK07) with assistance from Honorable Judge Kevin Kelly (LK09) shared the Kitsap County District Court’s new Behavioral Health Court, a diversion court for people charged with felonies and misdemeanor crimes who suffer from mental health issues.
Following lunch, the class was given a tour of the Kitsap County jail facility and got a first-hand look at life behind bars. The tours were led by Lt. Genie Elton (LK10) and Sgt. Scott Billingsley (LK16).
Chirs Barone & Janel McFeat
Chris Barone, Director of Court Services and Janel McFeat, Program Manager, with the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Re-entry Project shared their award winning native healing model to reintegrate tribal members back into their community after serving time in jail. Tarra Simmons, Executive Director Civil Survival, then shared her re-entry and rehabilitation story. One class member commented, “Tarra Simmons experience and openness has given me a broader perspective on forgiveness and rehabilitation.”
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this meaningful day: Kitsap County Administration; Kitsap County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild; and Sanchez, Mitchell, Eastman, and Cure, PSC Attorneys at Law.
“Community Building is about providing people with a platform to be their best selves. The more meaningfully connected we are to our communities, the better versions of ourselves we become.” – Positive Leadership