MPPD launches new Bike Patrol Team
April 8, Moultrie News
The Mount Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) recently launched its new Bike Patrol Team. Officers Neal Sutler, Charles Long, David Triana and Jonathan Rustin were assigned to the full-time bike team.
“We are very excited to welcome the new Bike Patrol Team to the department,” said Police Chief Carl Ritchie. “The officers are very dedicated and will take time to foster positive relationships with the public and business owners daily. This is another public engagement tool, that, with visibility and deterrence, will make a difference in our community.”
These bike officers will also be seen at the town’s many special events and festivals and will be made available to organizations, schools and groups, to provide bike safety tips and bike rodeos.
The team has a 24/7 capability. The officers ride in most weather conditions with assigned partners in groups of two. This allows them to patrol areas that police cruisers cannot, such as parks and businesses. The bike team is also an excellent enforcement tool. The officers possess a very good knowledge of crime patterns and persons who are known to commit crime in the community.
Generally, the bike team is not dispatched to take lengthy reports due to lack of carried equipment. They are expected to take other reports that will pertain to their activity, such as arrest reports.
The team rides high-quality mountain bikes with front suspension which gives them the ability to ride on various types of terrain. They are also equipped with bright lights which allow for riding at night with ease. In order to complete their routes, the officers also carry more than 25 lbs. of protective equipment while on duty. The bikes are assigned to each team member, and officers are responsible to make sure that their bikes are maintained in peak performance condition.