Bicycle
Patrol Team
The
Vernon Police Department Bicycle Team is comprised of seven officers
trained in bicycle patrol techniques. Two of the officers are also certified
instructors, providing in-house training for the Team.
Bicycle
Team officers typically patrol the entire City, making use of their
maneuverability to patrol those areas that are more difficult to access
with a regular police vehicle. On bicycles, the officers can quickly
work their way through parking lots, between buildings and along the
spur tracks and sidewalks. Although they do not generally handle routine
police calls, they are able to respond to any call if needed. Often
times, those who would commit crimes are looking for a police car, not
bicycles. This ability to respond quickly without being easily seen
is an advantage for the officers and for the community.
Always
ready to help, the Bicycle Patrol Team has been received very well by
the business community. Being out on bicycles, the officers are very
approachable. Business owners and others in the community can feel comfortable
stopping to talk with the officers about any of their concerns. This
close contact gives the officers and those we serve, a great opportunity
to develop strong working relationships while helping to keep criminal
activity at a minimum.