Spokane Police Department TAC Team Collaborates with Community Organizations to get Kids Bicycles in
By Big Country News, Nov 29, 2021
Officer Brownell and CJ instructor Tommy Williams pose with some completed "Christmas Wheels." Photo: City of Spokane Police Department.
SPOKANE - The Spokane Police Department TAC team is charged with maintaining public safety at events that draw large crowds. Hoopfest, Bloomsday, Pig-out in the park, and the Lilac Parade are just a few examples of gatherings where the TAC team is utilized to keep events safe and enjoyable for all.
In 2020 the TAC team began using bicycles in the performance of their duties. The bikes allow officers to be mobile, yet maneuverable which is needed when working in large crowds. The addition of bikes means TAC team members can quickly respond to incidents at an event while maintaining accessibility to the public.
Due to the recent implementation of two-wheeled transportation, many TAC team members have become skilled and knowledgeable bike enthusiasts. Now, they are sharing that enthusiasm and passion with the community.
“Christmas Wheels” is a program started in 2020 that gives children in need a bicycle in time for the holidays, promoting adventure, exercise, and community to youth that might not otherwise have the opportunity. This year the SPD TAC team partnered with the SPD Chaplaincy and the local organization “Back the Blue 509” to raise money and purchase 25 bikes for area kids. The bikes come disassembled, so the TAC team partnered with the Spokane Public Schools Criminal Justice (CJ) program, where students help with assembly.
NewTech Skill Center criminal justice instructor Tommy Williams was instrumental in making this project a success. The CJ program affords high school students interested in criminal justice careers the opportunity to learn job related skills and interact with those in the profession. Today, CJ students helped TAC officers assemble the bikes that will be gifted to identified students at various district schools. Not only did CJ students learn mechanical skills while interacting with officers, they also relished in the opportunity to give back to the community.
School employees identified kids who may benefit from a bike, and SPD officers will deliver the “Christmas Wheels” in the coming week.