Police work is constantly evolving. We are always looking for ways to improve on what we do and how we do it. Over the years Law Enforcement has strayed away from some things that worked in the past, (example the neighborhood "cop").
Bicycles are not new to police work. In the late 1800's many of the largest police departments utilized bicycles to cover their beats. The bicycle was eventually replaced by the automobile. Cities grew and then became more congested with parks, malls and close knit neighborhoods, designed to handle pedestrian traffic. Here in Taneytown we have several parks and close knit neighborhoods.
Bike patrols were reborn in 1988 in Seattle Washington. A sergeant who was a mountain bike enthusiast, convinced superiors that mountain bikes would be an efficient means of patrol for congested areas.
Today police departments are utilizing bike patrols all over the country. In July 2001, the Taneytown Police Department launched a Police Mountain Bike Patrol funded by a grant through the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention Hot Spots Program. The grant allowed the department to purchase bikes and equipment for two officers. Pfc. D. Hobson and Ofc. B. Costello attended a four day police cyclist training course, instructed by the International Police Mountain Bike Association. Pfc. Hobson and Ofc. Costello are assigned to the bike patrol on a part time basis. The program has been a successful means of removing the officer from the patrol car and putting them back in the communities, making them more accessible to residents and businesses. The bike patrol has also been a great tool for enforcing laws and a crime deterrent. |
