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. |