Kitsap Superior Court Judge Russell Hartman this morning listened to legal arguments in the preliminary injunction hearing to prevent disclosure of investigations into alleged police misconduct by an officer in the Bainbridge Island Police Department. The Bainbridge Island Police Guild has filed suit against the City of Bainbridge Island, Kitsap Sun reporter Tristan Baurick and me to stop the City from releasing records in two investigations into the conduct of Officer Steve Cain after islander Kim Koenig filed a complaint against him following a traffic stop last September.
At the conclusion of the hearing, which lasted about an hour and a half, Judge Russell said he would issue an oral decision on Friday, April 25 at 1:30 p.m.
Kitsap Sun editor Scott Ware and managing editor Jeff Brody were among the observers in the courtroom. As Guild lawyer Bob Christie noted, their presence was an indication of the public interest in the proceedings. Tristan Baurick and I have both submitted public records requests to the City of Bainbridge Island for records of the investigations into Koenig’s allegations.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Bainbridge Island City Attorney Paul McMurray provided copies of the disputed records to Judge Hartman, who indicated that he may review them prior to issuing his decision.
Bainbridge Notebook 
Althea, When Judge Russel issues his oral decision on Friday the 25th, will he require you to be present? Will the Kitsap Sun run a story?
Thank you for taking this on. We appreciate your efforts. You have made a difference for our family. I wish I could tell you more, in time I will come forward.
The courage you have shown again and again in “taking the road less traveled”, Althea, is inspiring for me and so many others. We value highly not only your truth telling, but the fact that you don’t back down when the going gets rough, and it has gotten rough!
Thank you for the enormous contribution you’ve made towards helping to clear the cobwebs out of the way on Bainbridge Island–but for you …..
Thanks Sally!
And thanks “Thank you.” No I don’t have to be present when the judge gives his decision. But I’ll post a report.
What did your attorney have to say hearing? And what did the Kitsap Sun’s attorney have to say?
What happened on the 25th? Did the judge rule?
I’ve been meaning to post an update but haven’t gotten around to it. Judge Hartman is doing an in camera review and won’t have an oral decision until 5/9 at 1:30 pm.