Bicycle Officers Work to Beat the Heat
By Emily Wearing, KQ2, July 21, 2016|
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -The St. Joseph Police Department is rolling out a new fleet that is not new patrol cars but rather bicycles.
"Kind of gives you a different view of the city being able to be more interactive and involved with the city," Officer Matt Kneib with the St. Joseph Police Department said.
The new mode of transportation for officers comes as the City works to become more bike friendly. It also comes when the area experiences some of the hottest temperatures.
"Staying hydrated is very important, that's the main thing," Kneib said. "Trying to make sure you are hydrated every 20 minutes or so."
The officer carry at least two water bottles at a time along with protein packs so they can keep their energy up.
They also travel in pairs when out on the streets which doctors say is key to staying safe out in the heat.
"When you start to really suffer from heat exhaustion, starting to go to heat stroke and you start getting confused, you may not recognize those symptoms so it is important to have a buddy who's got their eye on you and you've got your eye on them," Dr. Cynthia Brownfield with Mosaic Life Care said.
The officers are not only making sure they stay safe while out in the heat, but they also check on others who might have to be outside.
"With the homeless community and the individuals downtown we kind of do some check-ups on some people and make sure everybody is okay," Kneib said. "Make sure that there wasn't any of the usual heat stroke issues or heat exhaustion issues."
While heat is a major concern, they say it's worth it to get out into the community.
"Not just for the community but also for the kids to kind of show them that being active, getting out there and having fun and playing and doing things," Kneib said.
The bicycle officer program is still in the early stages but they hope to get out on the streets more in the next couple of weeks. They also plan to help out more when it comes with bicycle safety courses.