NCJ Number
203288
Journal
Campus Safety Journal Volume: 11 Issue: 9 Dated: October 2003 Pages: 18-20
Date Published
October 2003
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses how to organize a successful campus bicycle patrol unit.
Abstract
The most important aspect involved in organizing a successful campus bicycle patrol unit is research. Simply buying a couple of bicycles and throwing any officer on one is a sure way to fail. Instead, it is important to first establish and justify the department’s need for a bicycle patrol unit and to adapt the patrol unit to meet those needs. Standard operating procedures should be established that incorporate recruitment of bike patrol officers, physical fitness standards for bike officers, proper equipment and uniforms, and officer training. According to the article, training is one of the most overlooked aspects in the establishment of a bike patrol unit. Although many people know how to ride a bicycle, conducting police duties while riding a bike requires training in bike handling and vehicular cycling skills, hazards and common crashes, traffic laws, patrol procedures, arrest tactics, suspect and vehicle pursuits, and climbing and descending stairs. Finally, the article considers the problem of funding a bike patrol unit and suggests several sources of non-departmental funding, including the Department of Justice Programs.