Pine Knoll Shores Police Department starts bike patrol
by Christy Hutchings, Friday, March 8th 2019, News Channel 12
Photo: Pine Knoll Shores police officer Nancy Montanino is the first officer with the department to get the bike patrol assignment. (Christy Hutchings, NewsChannel 12 photo)
PINE KNOLL SHORES, Carteret County — If you live or plan to visit Pine Knoll Shores anytime soon, you will probably notice some changes when it comes to how police officers patrol the streets.
The department has started a bike patrol. The goal is to have more one-on-one interaction between police officers and community members, and police feel by taking the officers out of the vehicles will accomplish that goal. It's a new addition community members welcome.
"I think it's a great idea," said John Connolly. "Our police department does a great job. They're very visible in their cars but I"m sure putting them on bikes occasionally is a big step in the right direction."
Connolly isn't alone in thinking this is a good idea. David Goldberg and Diane Henriques agreed.
"That's a great idea," Goldberg said.
"I would especially love it if they're down patrolling the beach areas as well," Henriques said.
Pine Knoll Shores police officer Nancy Montanino is the first officer with the department to get the bike patrol assignment.
"Our residents here are very active here," Montanino said. "They're always biking, walking, running. It puts us out there. We can interact more without the barrier of the patrol car. We can get places, we normally couldn't with a vehicle."
Montanino is the primary officer on bike patrol, but she says you will see other officers on the bike from time to time.
And police say if you see an officer don't hesitate to stop and have a conversation, something that doesn't seem to be a problem in Pine Knoll Shores.
"I've never seen anything like it," Goldberg said. "This police department is a change. These people are our neighbors and friends."