Joplin police bicycle patrols increase
The number of bicycle police officers are increasing in the area.
By Kheslleen Dimanche, June 6, 2016, fourstateswebpage.com
JOPLIN, Mo. -The Joplin Police Department is using their school resource officers to patrol and monitor areas of the community on bikes. Usually, the officers are assigned to schools during the year, but in the summer they play a key role in keeping trails like Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center safe. Officers say with the increase of visitors during the summer, it is easier for bikers to get out and patrol the area to enforce illegal dumping, drinking and to communicate with people in the area.
"Hopefully, we're making people feel safe. We're getting information, able to have those interactions with the community a lot easier than if we're in a car," said Aaron Gooch, Joplin Police Department.
JPD bicycle officers will also be patrolling festivals and neighborhoods. They will go back to patrolling schools in August.
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