State troopers, town police to begin bicycle patrols
Posted: Thursday, June 13, 2013 2:13 am |Updated: 2:57 am, Thu Jun 13, 2013.
By Jane Bellmyer
Coming soon to a street near you: police officers patrolling on bicycles.
First Sgt. Chris Davala from the Maryland State Police Special Operations Division led a class of officers through their paces Wednesday on the North East campus of Cecil College.
“They are learning proper vehicle cycling,” he said, as the group representing Maryland State Police, Elkton Police and Perryville Police departments rode in formation. Davala said that over the four days of training, the officers learn how to ride through crowds, on staircases and in other situations they may encounter.
“We also teach them how to fall properly,” he said.
A city ride, a night ride and a course with steep grades are on the schedule for the students as well.
Lt. Stephen Konold, commander of the North East barrack of the Maryland State Police, is already certified with the International Police Mountain Bike Association. He said having more of his officers obtain these skills would be valuable.
“He will be able to hear and see things from a bike ¬–for example screams or someone yelling for help,” Konold said, noting that the bicycles also provide an element of stealth.
Davala said from the community standpoint, a police officer on a bicycle “is more approachable.” He said the lack of an imposing vehicle can lend itself to more positive community interaction.
“The uniform is more relaxing, less threatening,” he said.
Conversely, he said, bicycle officers are not as recognized as the officer patrolling in a car.
Michael Bouchard, professor of criminal justice at the college, said he worked with 1st Sgt. James Russell to bring the program to Cecil County.
“Maryland State Police brought the certified trainer in,” Bouchard said.
He added this is one of several law enforcement training opportunities the college would offer.
“Criminal justice students have the opportunity to assist (in the training),” he said, adding that will be to their advantage. “They’ll be going through it one day.”
Cecil College will also offer the preliminary testing for those hoping to be admitted to the Maryland State Police academy.
Each of the officers in the bicycle program were selected to attend. Konold said he chose his officers from a list of volunteers.
The bicycle officers will use a sturdy mountain bike equipped with a saddle bag and police lights. Konold hopes to obtain grants to purchase additional bikes, which cost as much as $1,300. The barrack currently has two.
The uniform for these officers, at a cost of $300, is a shirt, shorts and helmet with a canvas gun belt, instead of the leather issue worn with the standard patrol uniform.
The officers will complete training this week and take the test for certification.
“It’s a 50-question written test,” Davala said.
To pass the score must be 76 percent or higher. To become an instructor, which Davala has been for 14 years, the score has to be a minimum of 90.
“The driving test is pass or fail,” he said.
Konold said the bicyle patrols will begin within weeks. He looks for them to be effective in high crime neighborhoods and in retail areas.
“I talk all the time about new tools we can use,” Konold said. “This is a great tool.”