Post Falls Police Department Launches Bike Patrol Program
Submitted by Camille Troxel, Post Falls and Rathdrum News
Thursday, July 4th, 2013
The Post Falls Police Department has a new bike patrol pilot program hitting the streets. The new patrol will allow officers to keep tabs on areas they wouldn't be able to access from traditional patrol vehicles.
Due to the size and layout of Post Falls, the new bike patrol is operating a little differently from bike patrols in other cities. The bike officers will be deployed from patrol cars, this allows officers to use the bike when needed while maintaining appropriate response times throughout Post Falls.
A Sergeant is overseeing the three officer patrol. The officers went through 40 hours of training provided by the Coeur d'Alene Police Department. The rigorous program was provided free of charge and taught the officers how to effectively patrol from a bicycle.
The Post Falls PD says that the bikes will make the officers more approachable by removing barriers between them and the public. Officers will be able to patrol areas like parks and trails in a low-key manner. Being on bike instead of in a car will also enable officer to approach a situation without being observed.
Look for officers in soft uniforms as they pilot the bike patrol program throughout the summer.
http://postfallsrathdrum.kxly.com/news/news/100301-post-falls-police-department-launches-bike-patrol-program