Bravin’ it: Riding along with Boise Police—Bike Patrol style

by Deni Hawkins, Wednesday, June 5th 2019

Watch the video:  https://idahonews.com/news/local/bravin-it-riding-along-with-boise-police-bike-patrol-style

CBS 2 Photo

BOISE, Idaho (CBS 2) — The Boise Police Department is made up of some 300 sworn police officers. But there are eight of them who you won't find driving around in patrol cars.

Boise Police Bike Patrol

Instead, the eight officers who make up the Boise Police Bike Patrol Unit ride their bikes 365 days a year -- rain, snow or shine -- patrolling and educating the community from a more approachable vehicle.

"It's just a different type of policing," said sergeant Craig Nixon. "It's more about getting involved in the community. We always have people stop and talk to us."

Nixon and the seven other officers patrol 26 miles of the Greenbelt, city parks and the downtown core.

"People just come up sometimes and say 'wow, what a great job you have,'" Nixon said. "We agree."

Often times, Nixon says riders will ask questions about the Greenbelt, or about what they can and cannot do in certain areas like parks or in areas along the river.

The Boise Police Bike Patrol unit is a sought-after position within the department, and one that requires testing. Nixon just took it on a couple of years ago, and says he's ridden his bike almost every day since.

These officers tell CBS 2 News they have worked to build relationships with the city's homeless community, and strive to be a resource for them and anyone else in the community. Nixon says most encounters they have with people on the job are friendly, although there are a few exceptions.

"We've been known to be chased by a goose or two," he said. "They get pretty protective, especially this time of year."

It's all in a day's work

Bike patrol officers will ride anywhere from 20 miles a day to upwards of 40 depending on the day.

Despite the mileage, and the exercise that comes along with the job, many of the bike patrol unit officers will spend more time exercising -- even biking -- after work.

"We do have officers in the unit who, when they're done working, they go out and ride in the foothills," Nixon said.

Call it a love for the sport, but these officers are allowed to combine that with a love for their job, and for their community.

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