UTPD adds additional bike patrols to increase student safety

Posted: Mon 6:21 PM, Aug 22, 2016, WTVG Toledo

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - 13abc’s McKenzie Kuehnlein talked with UT campus police about some new measures to protect students and staff.

Up until now, there were less than a dozen police officers on bike on UT's campus, but that is about to change.

University of Toledo Police Chief Jeff Newton said the department is adding four additional bikes to patrol on campus.

The expansion began over the summer and police is modeling its efforts after security at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

"We are hearing more and more how effective the bike patrol is,” said Newton. “At the Republican National Convention there was a lot of use of bike patrol and the feedback is that the bikes were very effective."

$1,500 was allotted for these specially equipped bicycles and Newton said patrolling on the bikes will give officers an advantage.

"The vehicle can sometimes be a barrier between you and the community, so if you remove that barrier and you’re on a bike and you’re riding around interacting with folks walking heading to class it’s much easier way to communicate and connect with the students," he said.

Jordan Penkava, UT student said, "I think it makes them seem less intimidating seeing them on bikes and if you have a problem, you can go right up and talk to them instead of a vehicle or calling them."

UT police also said they plan to boost community involvement.

"Part of our mission for the bike patrol is to make sure students are educated and informed and informed on all the different things they can do to keep them safer,” Newton said. 

Watch the video:  http://www.13abc.com/content/news/UTPD-adds-additional-bike-patrols-to-increase-student-safety-390965931.html

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