BICYCLE PATROL (program currently SUSPENDED)

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.