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The Atlantic Police Department bike patrol was introduced in
1997, and has been found to be an excellent tool for both community
policing and criminal enforcement.
Community Policing
Bike officers work up close and personal with the citizens and are said
to be more "approachable". The patrol car which can serve as a barrier
between the public and officers is removed so bike officers have more
personal contacts with people.
The less formal uniforms and common link of a bicycle also makes youth
gravitate to these officers.
When the citizens, young and old alike, develop a relationship with the
officers, it builds trust and appreciation. These assets are a
beneficial to both the community and the Department.
Free Bike Helmets
The department also used the bike patrol to encourage and promote bike
safety. The primary focus being on the use of bike helmets. Annually
coordinating with the local Kiwanis Club and several insurance agencies
every third grader in Atlantic is given a free bike helmet. A bike
safety class and video are viewed prior to receiving the helmet. The
Kiwanis and the Police Department have several representatives present
at the program. They assist each child by properly fitting and
adjusting each individual helmet.
Criminal Enforcement
The bike patrol is also an effective crime fighting tool. Few criminals
expect a bicyclist to be a police officer. If they do recognize him or
her as an officer it is usually too late. It's not uncommon to ride
directly up to someone engaging in some type of criminal activity.
Areas in which a patrol car cannot go are easily accessible to the bike
officers. Naturally these secluded areas are "hot beds" of criminal
activity.
The bike patrol is invaluable when it comes to special events.
Atlantic's bike patrol is utilized in this capacity several times a
year. Atlantic Fest, County Fair week, and
parades are events where bike officers work.
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