Mercer Island Police Department

06/02/2026

☀️ Temperatures are warming up today however Lake Washington water temperature remains cold! Make sure to always wear a life jacket in & around the water. Keep a close eye on children & pets near the water as well. Never leave people or pets unattended in the car - no matter how short the errand.

05/30/2026

You and your dog are invited to join a Paws on Patrol Meetup on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the grassy area between the Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) headquarters and City Hall (9611 SE 36th St). Please ensure your dog is leashed and well-behaved. No dog? No problem – all are welcome to attend.

Paws on Patrol is a crime prevention partnership between MIPD and dog walkers in the community to increase the number of eyes and ears in neighborhoods across the Island. Team members receive training in observing and reporting suspicious activity in progress. Register for the program ahead of the meetup (https://www.mercerisland.gov/police/webform/paws-patrol-registration) and learn more about Paws on Patrol: https://www.mercerisland.gov/police/page/paws-patrol

05/29/2026

Mercer Island and the Puget Sound region have entered prime boating season! The Mercer Island Police Department’s Marine Patrol Unit serves a vital role in keeping our waters safe, but you can do your part. Remember that all persons age 50 and under are required to take or have taken an approved boating education course to operate a boat with a motor stronger than 15 hp: https://www.mercerisland.gov/police/page/its-law-mandatory-boater-safety-education

To ensure everyone’s safety:
- Carry U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for every passenger on board a vessel
- Never operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Check weather forecasts before leaving, especially if venturing far from shore
- Know and your respect your ability (and limits) to safely operate a boat

Additional safety tips: https://www.mercerisland.gov/police/page/stay-safe-water-boating-season

05/22/2026

King County Sheriff's Office presented Mercer Island Police Department Officers Shannon Johnson (pictured, at left) and Jordan Tranter (second from right) with the King County Lifesaving Award for their heroic actions during an ice rescue that occurred on Fish Lake in Chelan County in early February.

KCSO Special Operations Division Chief Jose Marenco (right) and King County Marine Patrol Sergeant Rich Barton (second from left) presented the awards in recognition of the officers’ swift response and lifesaving efforts after a person fell through the ice. They were part of a 20-person crew who were fortuitously participating in an ice rescue training session nearby when they witnessed a man punch through the ice and into the 35-degree water. The entire team sprang into action to pluck the man from the icy water, saving his life.

The professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to public safety of Officers Tranter and Johnson reflect the highest standards of service and commitment to the community.

05/11/2026

A HUGE KUDOS to MIPD Officer Phan!!! This award is terrific recognition of her dedicated service to the MIHS community!!!

👏🌹Congratulations to Mercer Island Police Department School Resource Officer Olivia Phan (MIHS Class of 2017) on receiving the Outstanding Community Partner Award at the MIHS PTSA Annual Awards ceremony this morning.

The Community Partner award recognizes a Mercer Island business or organization that goes above and beyond standard expectations to help and facilitate the work and mission of MIHS PTSA, including helping to build a cooperative relationship between students, schools, and community.

MIHS senior Marin Frank introduced Olivia and presented her the award.

04/22/2026

On Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the City of Mercer Island and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

For more than a decade, the event has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction.

• When: Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: Mercer Island City Hall Loading Dock (9611 SE 36th Street)

Take Back Day has removed 19.2 million pounds (9,600 tons) of medication from circulation since its inception.

For more information on what will/won't be accepted visit https://www.mercerisland.gov/yfs/page/prescription-drug-take-back-day-0

04/17/2026

⚠️ Scam Alert! The Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) is warning residents and business owners about an increase in fraudulent locksmith stickers being placed on commercial buildings throughout the area.
These stickers often advertise locksmith services with phone numbers that may be linked to scam operations. Individuals who call these numbers may be overcharged, receive substandard service, or become victims of fraud.

What to watch for:
• Stickers placed near door locks, entryways, or building exteriors
• Generic or unfamiliar company names
• Phone numbers without a local or verifiable business presence

What you can do:
• Only use locksmith companies you know and trust
• Verify businesses before calling—look for established, reputable providers
• Remove suspicious stickers if found on your property
• Remain alert for any unusual or suspicious activity

If you observe someone placing these stickers or notice suspicious circumstances, call the MIPD's non-emergency line: 425-577-5656.

04/15/2026

***UPDATE: The class is now full***

A popular Pet First Aid class for the community will return on Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center. This free class for Island residents and businesses, taught by a Mercer Island Police Department police support officer, will cover a variety of topics, including what to do in an emergency, common pet injuries and toxicities, pet CPR, and more. Due to anticipated high demand, register early to reserve a spot: https://www.mercerisland.gov/police/page/pet-first-aid-class-0

03/19/2026

It’s been a busy March for Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) officers, who have had many opportunities to engage with and assist the community. From daring rescues to coffee shop chats, here’s just a glimpse of what they've been up to:

Above and Beyond (the Retaining Wall): Officer McDowell proved that "protect and serve" extends to our four-legged residents, too! When a local pup took an accidental leap over a retaining wall and ended up trapped in thick sticker bushes, he didn't hesitate. Armed with an axe and some serious determination, he successfully extricated the dog. We’re happy to report the pup is safe, and the owner was ecstatic! 🐕✨

Starting Young with Safety: Officer Udodik from our Crime Prevention Team spent some quality time at Bright Horizons childcare center, where she spoke with some of our youngest residents about staying safe!

Coffee & Conversation: Chief Michelle Bennett and several officers recently set up shop at Starbucks for some face-to-face time with the community. They covered everything from neighborhood safety to the best way to report concerns.

Learn all about MIPD's great work serving the community: https://www.mercerisland.gov/police