The Bike Unit
Patrol was created in 1996. It was originally formed to promote
positive community relations when used at special functions such as
the Frontier Days Parade. Their value as an effective crime
deterrent became readily apparent. Bike Unit duties were expanded to
include other details that were normally performed only in patrol
cars.
The Bike Unit is comprised of selected Officers trained in bicycle
patrol. Currently, one Lieutenant, three Sergeants and five Patrol
Officers are members of the unit. This specialized unit is utilized
for community activities involving high levels of traffic where
bicycles are quicker to deploy to a problem area with less
inconvenience to motorists. Other uses of the Bike Officers include
routine patrol of problem areas where stealth is desirable. The Bike
Officers also patrol subdivisions and the business community, making
themselves more accessible to the citizens to answer questions and
address citizens' concerns.
The bikes are specially designed for police work. They are light,
yet durable, equipped with emergency lights and are marked to
readily identify them as police equipment. The Bike Officer wears a
uniform that is tailored for Bike Patrol Officers. The uniform
consist of a blue pullover shirt, dark bike shorts, helmet and black
bike shoes. The Officers wear webbed duty belt equipment that is
lighter and more flexible than the leather gear worn by officers on
routine patrol.