Taking it to the Streets: City of Clarksburg to Implement Police Bike Patrol This Coming Summer
Story by Dominique Spatafore, City of Clarksburg, May 19, 2016
Clarksburg Police Department Officers Nathan Paugh and Justin Moore are participating in police cycling training at Penn State University. The week long course consists of biking patrol procedures, tactics, night operations, various scenarios, and basic bike maintenance and on-the-road repair. Officers are required to pass a physical test where they complete a 20-mile bicycle threshold ride, dismount the bicycle, perform a bicycle carry, and clear an obstacle all within a predetermined set of time. The physical portion is followed by a performance review and finally an oral interview is conducted.
Once completed, they will receive certifications through IPMBA International Police Mountain Bike Association. After an additional instructors course, they then will be able to teach their fellow officers on the safety and implementation of safe bicycle patrol. Officer Moore stated he is eager to complete the training and looks forward to meeting and interacting with the public.
Police Chief Robbie Hilliard looks forward to mobilizing the bikes and increasing our police presence within the community. Chief stated, “Bicycle patrols have proven to be an effective crime prevention tool. This, along with our North View Police Substation, places us out in the community allowing for the ability to respond quickly to incidents and remain approachable.”
The routes will focus on downtown, Glen Elk and various other neighborhoods throughout the City.
Police bicycle patrol has many benefits and advantages to the community and the Police Department alike: namely an increase in visibility and in increase in human contact with the community. An officer on a bicycle is much more approachable than in a car and helps in building new contacts and trust from the citizens. This allows officers to be proactive in fighting crime rather than reactive.
The bikes will not only be utilized during regular shifts but also during special events such as festivals, fairs and other public activities.
The bike patrol unit will be used for patrol purposes year round, weather permitting.
For more information on the Clarksburg Police Department visithttp://cityofclarksburgwv.com/departments/police
For more information on the International Police Mountain Bike Association visit http://www.ipmba.org/