Edmonton Police training for bike usage a ‘grueling’ task
By Stephanie Dubois, Metro News Canada, July 23, 2014
Photo: Stephanie Dubois/ Metro. Edmonton Police officers get ready for a group ride on July 10, something they do regularly to patrol streets on two wheels.
The training for Edmonton Police bike officers isn’t as easy as just riding a bike, as police officers have to go through a “grueling” four-day course on how to properly use their bike, according to one officer.
Emergency braking, emergency maneuvering and simulated scenarios are all part of the training local certified instructors teach.
The specific course through EPS, also teaches officers how to handle long-distance rides to help build up their stamina when travelling around town.
“I know everybody rides bikes, but there’s a lot this course offers that you wouldn’t know unless you took a course like that,” said Sgt. Tony Parrotta with EPS.
Officers, part of the beat program with EPS, receive the training for on-bike patrols since it often provides them the ability to see what’s happening on city streets better.
“It’s higher visibility since it’s slower. Community members or stakeholders of the community would have more opportunity to approach us,” said Parrotta.
The officers also receive their own bike gear to use when patrolling, which includes their bikes as well as special uniforms to allow them to become more mobile.