NCJ Number
180380
Journal
Telemasp Bulletin Volume: 5 Issue: 8 Dated: November 1998 Pages: 1-11
Date Published
1998
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This bulletin addresses police bicycle patrol personnel, training, logistics, and operations.
Abstract
The use of bicycle patrols is a key element in many community policing programs. They are used in drug enforcement operations, malls, tourist assistance, campus patrol, business districts, neighborhoods, and special operations. Acceptance rates are usually very high. This article specifically addresses the bicycle patrol unit of the Huntsville (Texas) Police Department, its history, logistics, operations and leadership role in Huntsville's community policing efforts. The article includes data on ratio of officers' interest to positions available, sources of bicycle officer training, brand of bicycles purchased, specialized bicycle accessories, bicycle patrol equipment, operational tours of duty, types and key districts patrolled, and bicycle patrol-related injuries and lost time. Because of their tactical advantages, good public relations and officer morale effects, bicycle patrols will probably continue to be a mainstay of community policing. Tables, references