8th MP bike patrol serves the garrison’s communities
Hawaii Army Weekly, January 8, 2016
Photo: Bike patrol members of the 39th Military Police Detachment, 728th MP Battalion, 8th MP Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, recently trained and certified on the new International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) program, to sharpen their skills set and enhance their professional capabilities as bike patrol officers.
Story and photo by 1st Lt. Daniel Lucero, 39th Military Police Detachment, 728th MP Battalion, 8th MP Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command
FORT SHAFTER — Exemplifying the official motto of the Military Police Corps, “Of the troops, for the troops,” are the bike patrol officers from the 39th Military Police Detachment, 728th MP Battalion, 8th MP Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command.
In addition to providing crime prevention patrols and traffic enforcement, bike patrol also serves the military members, families and communities of U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii with close community relations and second-to-none public service.
In order to have the most current training, eight Soldiers from the 39th MP Det. recently trained and certified on the new International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) program to sharpen their skill-sets and enhance their professional capabilities as bike patrol officers.
The new IPMBA training replaces the older Law Enforcement Bicycle Association (LEBA) training and focuses on versatile patrols and maneuverability in order to execute and operate in more complex and diverse environments.
The training is a 40-hour course that teaches and tests skills, such as quick braking, dodging obstacles, maneuvering up or down stairs, balancing on obstacles, taking down fleeing criminals, bicycle maintenance and repair, and a final written exam.
The course is taught by Department of the Army Civilian Police (DACP) Officer Daniel Hernandez and DACP Officer Gerard Beckly, who received their IPMBA train-the-trainer certification and have developed a training regimen that will continue to certify Soldiers and provide more qualified bike patrol officers to the USAG-HI community.
Whether patrolling streets, parks or even difficult off-road terrain, the new IPMBA training increases bike patrol’s already impressive skill-sets to allow a greater reach and the ability to extend community policing and crime prevention in more difficult and complex environments.
Bike patrol serves the community in a myriad of other ways. For example, at the end of August, bike patrol facilitated the back to school week by providing crossing guards, traffic control and speed enforcement ensuring a safe back to school return.
Also, during hurricane season, the bike patrol presented a hurricane preparedness brief to the community, discussed shelter locations around the island, recommended emergency supplies to have at home and the importance of having a plan.
During Halloween, bike patrol increased its presence on the Aliamanu Military Reservation and Schofield Barracks that controlled traffic and provided a safe night for children who participated in trick-or-treating festivities.
In addition to the many community outreach programs available, bike patrol Soldiers from the 39th MP Det. also partner with AMR’s Youth Center to provide a 10-week mentorship program for boys ages 12-17. The program is conducted weekly every Tuesday and provides positive mentorship and guidance to help prepare youth and teens in making responsible decisions into adulthood.
Whether conducting crime prevention patrols, traffic enforcement or community outreach, it is easy to see why bike patrol is an integral part of the MP Corps. With the new tactics, techniques and procedures gained from the IPMBA course, the bike patrol will continue to build upon its reputation of service and excellence.
As a positive and proactive force in the community, bike patrol serves as an outstanding example of the diverse and important functions the MPs provide within the community.
Like the motto says, truly “Of the troops, for the troops.”
(Note: Lucero is the Fort Shafter deputy station commander.)