 The Community Outreach Program, or
COP Team, was developed to foster partnerships and open channels of
communication between the Police Department and the Community. The focus
of the program is to provide resources and information to community
members on a variety of issues pertaining to the areas where they live
or work. One mechanism used to accomplish this task is the Police
Bicycle Patrol Unit. The Bicycle Patrol Unit supplements regular patrol
functions and is supported entirely by state grant funds.
Bicycles offer a quick and efficient means of patrolling parks, schools,
alleys and shopping areas. Among the many benefits of the bicycle patrol
program is the increased patrol of areas not easily accessed by
traditional patrol vehicles. The bicycle patrol also offers better
opportunities for officers to stop and speak with citizens to better
understand neighborhood problems and establish relationships. As areas
with crime trends or specific issues are identified, they can be
targeted for enhanced enforcement by this special unit.
In addition to routine patrol, the Bicycle Patrol Unit participates in a
number of special events such as the Fourth of July Fireworks
Spectacular, the Annual 10K Run, and the presentation of bicycle safety
programs.
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