Norridge police officers not tired of being on two wheels
by Cathryn Gran, Pioneer Local, September 6, 2013
Sometimes less is better.
When it comes to patrolling large community events, Norridge officers on two wheels have an advantage over their counterparts in cars, said Chief James Jobe.
“It’s easier for them to get around because they have better access and maneuverability in crowds,” he explained.
Being on a bicycle also allows for a better assessment of a situation, according to Officer Enzo Rubino, who has been on bicycle patrol for two years. “We can see more,” he said. “We have a better view,” added Officer Len Santucci, now in his third year of patrolling on bicycle.
The department has three, specially designed bicycles that come complete with lights and sirens. “We used to have the full-time officers ride, but we found it easier to use the part-time, auxiliary officers on bikes and keep the full-time officers in the squads,” Jobe explained.
The bike officers ride primarily around the Norridge Park District area, especially during the summer, but also patrol other areas as needed. And of the 17 auxiliary officers, 13 have received the specialized training.
“The last four are new hires, but they’ll go through the training,” Jobe added. North East Multi Regional Training prepares officers in biking safely in traffic; making traffic stops and maneuvering when in pursuit, according to Jobe.
“This includes negotiating around obstacles,” he added. That training also includes going up and down stairs and using a bicycle as defense, according to Rubino. Officers also are taught to use the bicycles to perform crowd control, Santucci added.
To be effective, officers develop their own set of signals. Both Rubino and Santucci noted the people in the community generally are receptive to instructions issued by the officers.
“They move out of the way,” Santucci said. While their primary focus is on handling major events, the officers also patrol all over the village, interacting with people on the street.
“It’s community relations outreach,” Jobe explained. “It’s nice to have them on the street. “They’re more approachable, and the kids just love it.” Rubino and Santucci agreed being on bicycles helps them better interact with residents.
“The kids see us in helmets, and they want to try them on,” Rubino said. “We can teach kids safety, and make it that much easier on the parents.” As curious as the kids are, the adults aren’t far behind.
“A lot of people like it that we’re on bikes,” Santucci noted. “They get a different feel for us.” “Even the grown-ups ask us questions,” Rubino said with a laugh.