Pedal Pushers: Savannah Police Department introduces first bike patrol unit
By Drew Favakeh, Savannah Morning News, November 19, 2022
Watch the video: https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/local/2022/11/19/big-wheels-savannah-police-launch-first-ever-bike-patrol-unit/10714597002/
Photo: The new Savannah Police Bike unit has a combination of bikes that are both motor assisted and those that are not.
The Savannah Police Department introduced its first official bike patrol unit on Thursday.
Cpl. Joshua Flynn noted that bicycles will allows officers to be "more versatile patrolling particular crimes such as package thefts, burglaries." Flynn also said bikes will help with investigations.
"This opens us up and allows us to be able to hear, see and engage with people and exchange information that can help with investigations as well as observe things," said Flynn. "...bikes aren't as big of a visible piece of equipment as the police car itself, so they provide concealment. It provides a little stealth, if you want to put it that way as well, especially if we deploy at night."
“We’re excited about this new unit and all the benefits that will come as a result,” Interim Savannah Police Chief Gunther said in a press release. “It will not only be a benefit to the officers but also to the community while we continue our mission to address crime and to build relationships and trust with our citizens in all neighborhoods. This unit will not only assist in addressing crime, but also in enhancing community relations and officer health.”
Cpl. Janessa Stalter echoed those sentiments, saying that bike patrol makes officers more approachable and improved officer health.
When she has policed on bikes or walked around instead of driving, she's noticed that "people see you and come out and talk to you."
Prior to the formation of the SPD Bike Unit, a few officers had bicycles, which they could incorporate into their daily patrol functions. Now, the new bike unit will work collectively in areas throughout the city and deployed to specific areas as needed, according to the SPD press release.
“The holidays are coming up and we’re already looking at ways to utilize the Bike Unit to assist with holiday-related crimes, like package thefts, and to deploy them to shopping areas throughout the city to keep shoppers safe,” Assistant Chief DeVonn Adams said. “Moving forward, we know that this unit will also be especially helpful during festivals, parades and other events that can make navigation by vehicle a challenge.”