​POLICE ACADEMY THIRD SESSION: GEAR, STOPS, AND OWENS VALLEY HISTORY

By: Tyler Beadle

​BISHOP, CA –

​On October 16, 2025, the third session of the Third Bishop Community Police Academy delivered hands-on insights and local history to our group. Sergeant Scobie was absent so Chief Derr led the class. The evening started outdoors with vehicle tours and wrapped inside with traffic stop tactics and a fascinating look back at Owens Valley law enforcement.

​We began with BPD Officer Lopez guiding us through the patrol vehicles. He opened the doors to reveal the gear stored inside: guns, first-aid kits, and communication tools, all secured for quick access during calls. Lopez highlighted how everything from the laptop mounts to the rifle racks is designed for efficiency in our rural area. Then he showed us some of the less-lethal weapons, where we got up close with a bean bag shotgun, a 40mm launcher, and even a side-by-side of a new expandable baton versus an older wooden one. I snapped plenty of photos to capture the details, which I’ll include here within the article. It was eye-opening to see how these tools balance safety and control.

​Moving indoors, BPD Officers Jimenez and Lawson teamed up for a detailed presentation on traffic stops and high-risk stops. They broke down the step-by-step process, explaining why officers approach from the passenger side or use specific commands for compliance. A standout fact: under California’s Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA, enacted in 2015 via AB 953), officers must file an extra report to the California Department of Justice after every stop, noting perceived race, gender, and other demographics. The law, aimed at curbing racial profiling, requires annual statewide reports (the latest released in 2025) to analyze disparities and recommend improvements, though it’s ongoing with no set end date. I found it intriguing but a bit counterintuitive—asking officers to self-report perceptions after the fact to prevent bias. They shared practical tips too, like staying calm, keeping hands visible on the wheel, and following officer instructions to make stops smoother for everyone.

​The session closed with retired BPD and Mono County Sheriff’s Officer Phil West sharing the history of law enforcement in the Owens Valley. As a history buff, I really loved this. West revealed gems like the first CHP office in Bishop being the old Triple A building behind the Dollar Store, the Bishop PD once running a mounted horse patrol, and Main Street’s pre-telephone red light signal for emergencies. He also shared other historical facts such as the first Inyo County Sheriff being a man named W.A. Greenly. These stories highlighted how far we’ve come while honoring the valley’s roots.

​Tonight’s class wrapped around 9:15 p.m., leaving me thrilled and eager for next week’s session. I hope readers feel the same excitement about this program and I encourage everyone who likes these articles to sign up next time. For more on the Bishop Police Department, this class, or future ones, contact them directly. Questions about the article or my writing? Email [email protected].

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