Bike police patrols return to North Providence
Posted: Jun 05, 2014 1:42 PM EDTUpdated: Jun 09, 2014 9:16 AM EDT
By: Melissa Randall, ABC6 WLNE TV
mrandall@abc6.com
After more than 20 years North Providence will once again have bike patrols this summer. 15 patrolmen passed their exams and could be hitting the streets by Thursday evening.
Officer Luis Rivera initiated the conversation to bring the program back. He says that by trading in four wheels for two, patrolmen will be able to ride through hundreds of side streets and interact with residents.
“The difference is when you have a police officer on a bicycle you are more vigilant out there and the community feels a little more relaxed so you are more approachable,” said Rivera.
The men had to log 32 hours of coursework and pass a written exam in order to ride. Trainer Mike Mefford worked with the patrolmen and guided them through three difficult obstacle courses to test their skills.
“It's been tough. I thought it was easy but I have some battle wounds to back that up,” said Rivera.
The bikes were paid for by federal forfeiture money and will be ridden in four hour shifts that will be applied to over time.
The patrolmen have studied hard and can't wait to see people’s reactions.
“We've already got some compliments. Some of the residents have seen as out your training and they are looking forward to getting us out on the streets,” said officer Kevin Guindon.
© WLNE-TV 2014