Lakewood Police Department
Policy and Procedure
Bicycle Patrol 		Effective Date: 10/15/2010
Policy Number: PP-9502
 
  1. Policy

    The department recognizes the importance of utilizing Bicycle Patrol as a contemporary, non-conventional patrol procedure to assist with problem solving, crime prevention, crime suppression, and the furtherance of Community Policing philosophies. 
  2. Procedure
    1. Sworn police personnel must first complete an International Police Mountain Bike Association (I.P.M.B.A.), or similar certification course prior to being deployed for Bicycle Patrol duties. 
    2. The agent assigned to Bicycle Patrol shall maintain all Police Bicycle equipment in good working condition.  The contract bicycle shop will complete repairs or service of the Police Bicycle, and payment for services shall be handled through the Patrol Support Coordinator. 
    3. Each police bicycle shall have safety equipment as required by municipal and state statutes. 
    4. Each police bicycle shall have a rear pack to contain equipment that the individual rider deems necessary while on patrol. 
    5. The bicycle shall be equipped with a headlight system and rear warning light for use during nighttime or low light hours. 
    6. No addition, removal, or alteration of any type of equipment shall be made without prior supervisory approval. 
    7. Each Bicycle Patrol Agent shall wear an approved bicycle safety helmet, safety glasses, and gloves when operating the Police Bicycle.
    8. The Bicycle Patrol Uniform shall consist of:
      1. Bicycle safety helmet
      2. Bicycle Patrol uniform shirt
      3. Bicycle Patrol uniform pants and shorts
      4. Bicycle Patrol uniform jacket
      5. Black bicycle or athletic type shoe
      6. White low-cut athletic type socks
      7. Patrol issued duty belt, unless the agent wishes to purchase nylon duty belt and accessories at their own expense. 
      8. Cycling gloves
    9. Bicycle Patrol should be discouraged in the following situations that may affect officer safety, to include but limited to:
      1. High speed wind conditions
      2. Heavy fog that diminishes visibility
      3. Heavy rain or snow conditions
      4. Extreme high or low temperatures
    10. Bicycle Patrol shall be used in various settings and situation when deemed appropriate, including but not limited to:  routine patrol, directed patrol, specialty teams, investigations, special events, crowd control, and training. 
  3. Rule
    1. No police personnel shall engage in Bicycle Patrol until completing an approved training certification course.  Agents performing Bicycle Patrol shall use all required protective safety equipment.  

PP-9601 - Department Volunteer Program