NCJ Number
205591
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 52 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2004 Pages: 80-84,86,90
Date Published
April 2004
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article underscores the importance of training for police officers assigned to bicycle patrol and describes the IPMBA Police Cyclist Course.
Abstract
Riding a bicycle while on police patrol is entirely different from memories of riding bicycles as children. Police officers assigned to bicycle patrols need intensive training in order to use the bicycle effectively as part of their law enforcement tools. The IPMBA class requires officers to pass a thorough medical examination prior to admittance to the class. Officers with short-term of long-term injuries or orthopedic medical issues are not the best candidates for bicycle patrols. The importance of a properly equipped and fitting bicycle and safety equipment is underscored. Quality mountain bikes purchased from a reputable store, having less than 4 years of use, are the best options for police bicycles. The remainder of the article describes each of the 5 days of the IPMBA course, as well as the final test. On day 1 of the training, officers learn about cycling practices and street riding in order to reduce the potential for officer injury. Officers are taught how to bicycle in crowded urban settings, as well as how to properly “fall” from their bicycles to avoid injury. One day 2 of training, officers are introduced to night patrol techniques and to basic bicycle maintenance, such as how to change a bicycle tire. Proper techniques for ascending and descending curbs are taught. Day 3 moves along to a classroom session in which officers are taught proper calorie consumption and are offered tips on eating out and packing a lunch. Legal issues, such as the proper use of bike lanes, are also taught in this classroom segment. Day 4 requires the officers to report to class in full duty gear. Topics of discussion for day 4 include weapon retention while on a bicycle and real-life examples of deadly force encounters by bicycle patrol officers. Finally, day 5 begins with a discussion of patrol procedures and moves on to traffic stop techniques and subject contacts. Finally, the officers must pass a final skills test where they must earn 100 percent to graduate from the course. At the close of the 5-day course, officers are ready to begin bicycle patrols in a safe and effective manner.