NCJ Number
194811
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 50 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2002 Pages: 78-80,82-84,85
Date Published
2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the basics involved in the implementation of a bike patrol unit including program justification, fiscal expenditures, training, logistics, bike patrol special orders, officer selection, and physical requirements.
Abstract
In considering the implementation of a bike patrol, law enforcement agencies are tasked with researching existing programs and reviewing important administrative issues in the implementation and running of a successful bike patrol. To aid agencies considering the implementation of a bike patrol the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) was created as a clearinghouse for training and information exchange. When implementing a program the basics have remained the same and include seven issues: (1) the justification of the cost effectiveness of the bikes versus squad cars; (2) determination of the capital outlay; (3) proper basic and advanced tactical bike patrol training; (4) logistics regarding securable space for the protection of bikes, tools, spares, and other equipment and maintenance space; (5) the compilation of general or special orders which include a policy statement and a definition of the bike officer profile; (6) officer selection; and (7) the level of fitness required to be an effective bike patrol officer.