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The purpose of the Bicycle Patrol Unit
is to perform visible patrol duties, community relations and crime prevention. The Bicycle Patrol places police officers in
the community where they are the most available to the general public. Here they can work side by side with the people in
our community to reduce crime, prevent loss of property, stop personal injury, and promote a positive image of our department
to both adults and children alike.
These
officers are out of the police cruisers which gives them more one-on-one contact and communication with the general public.
This allows the officers to get better acquainted with the citizens who live in their patrol area and to learn the problems
they are faced with, and to aid them in finding solutions to these problems.
Why are bike patrols so important to
public safety?
- Bike patrols are cost effective—10
to 15 bike officers can be fully outfitted for the cost of one patrol car.
- Bike officers can travel faster and farther than foot officers, and they are able to patrol areas unreachable by
car.
- Bicycles give officers the "stealth" advantage - because they are silent, cops on bikes can ride right up to the
scene of a crime before they are noticed.
- Bicycles are a great public relations tool - an officer on a bike is much more approachable than one in a patrol
car.
- Bike officers promote the use of bike safety, such as wearing protective gear.
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