Bemidji PD: Parking, Hiring, & Public Safety Challenges | Chief Mast | Paskvan Podcasts | Mix 103.7

Описание: 🚨Chief Mike Mast Talks Dragon Boat Crowds, Storm Cleanup, Officer Hiring & Public Safety in Bemidji | Paskvan Podcasts | Mix 103.7

Chief Mike Mast of the Bemidji Police Department joins Paskvan Podcasts on Mix 103.7 for an unfiltered, boots-on-the-ground look at one of the busiest summers in Bemidji in recent memory. From managing Dragon Boat Festival traffic to pausing and reactivating parking enforcement post-storm, Chief Mast shares what it takes to keep a community safe, connected, and running smoothly — even when chaos hits.

Dragon Boat Festival Crowds & Public Safety Challenges
With thousands descending on the lakeside for the Dragon Boat Festival, Chief Mast explains why this popular event presents unique safety risks due to its proximity to Bemidji’s busiest thoroughfare. Tourists, new drivers, fast-moving traffic, and distractions like that big blue ox all combine to raise the stakes — and the importance of careful planning.

Parking Enforcement Returns After Storm Pause
After temporarily suspending parking rules during storm recovery, enforcement is back in effect. Chief Mast explains why the department hit pause, how they eased residents back in with courtesy warnings, and why parking regulation is essential for public safety, fire truck access, business turnover, and neighborhood functionality.

That Viral Police Car Cutout? It Wasn’t Cardboard.
Find out how a plywood police car painted by an officer’s daughter turned into a photo hotspot and unexpected community engagement success. It wasn’t just about looking cute — it was about building trust and making officers approachable, especially to kids.

Why Early Police Engagement with Children Matters
Chief Mast gets personal, sharing why positive interaction with kids under age 10 is critical for long-term community trust. From National Night Out to school resource officers, Bemidji PD is working to ensure that children’s first memory of law enforcement isn’t during trauma — it’s during a smile.

National Night Out: Big Turnout, Bigger Impact
Hear about the annual event at the Boys and Girls Club, where hundreds of community members gather to meet officers, firefighters, and local organizations in a safe, fun, and educational setting.

Congrats to Andrea!
The Chief gives a shoutout to Andrea at the Boys and Girls Club, recently inducted into the Upper Midwest Hall of Fame for her incredible service and leadership in the Bemidji area.

Bemidji PD Is Hiring!
Yes, they’re hiring again — and Chief Mast breaks down the latest round of recruitment, thanks to a competitive pay raise supported by the city council. Hear how Bemidji is attracting new talent, retaining trained officers, and offering a career path that includes task forces, school resource teams, negotiators, SWAT, and even drones.

The Best Schedule in Law Enforcement?
Learn why Bemidji PD’s “5 on, 5 off, 2 on, 2 off” schedule — with five-day weekends every other week — is drawing attention from departments statewide. Chief Mast even sent their custom schedule spreadsheet to a Twin Cities agency interested in copying it.

Always on Call? Officer Readiness During Time Off
From windstorms to major emergencies, officers may be off the clock, but they’re always on the alert. Hear how Bemidji PD uses Code Red and volunteer call-ins to handle large-scale incidents, even when staff are off duty — and how tight-knit their response has been.

If you or someone you know wants to serve in public safety, now is the time to apply. The Chief lays out exactly how to start — whether online, in-person, or through the city’s website or social channels.

Municipal vs. County vs. State Law Enforcement
What’s the real difference between working for a city, county, or state agency? Chief Mast breaks it down — from call volume to backup response times to how much room you’ve got to “stretch your legs.” Spoiler: County might give you more space, but city gets you help faster.

Retention, Specialization & Finding Your Niche
With 35 officers, Bemidji PD offers a sweet spot between opportunity and community. Officers can specialize in areas like SWAT, school safety, investigations, task force work, and more — something smaller agencies can’t always offer and larger departments make highly competitive.

Final Word: A Summer of Stress, Storms & Service
Chief Mast reflects on the nonstop summer — from parking lot evacuations to windstorm chaos — and emphasizes the dedication of officers who balance family life with the call to serve. It’s a reminder that behind the badge is a human being… and behind the scenes, a whole system working to protect and connect Bemidji.

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