THE City Constabulary Department of the Mayor and City Council yesterday announced that it has resuscitated the Bicycle Patrol Unit. The bicycle patrol was birthed out of a relationship developed as a result of a visit in 2008 by local City Council officials to the Miami Conference of Mayors.The main focus of the Unit is identifying violations of the City By-Laws. Also, the ranks can warn and initiate arrest where necessary. The first batch of Bicycle Patrol officers was trained by Gary McLaughlin, of the Sacramento Police Department in the United States. The training consists of maneuvering the bicycles at slow pace and over obstacles, which is consistent with riding in a City environment.
The Bicycle Patrol Unit would enhance the performance of the City Constabulary Department and lend support to the City Engineer, Public Health and Solid Waste Management Departments in the identification of various violations of the City by-laws. In addition, the Unit would enable the Constabulary to be more proactive in fighting crime in the City. It is anticipated that the visibility of the Officer would serve as a deterrent against crime.
Chief Constable Andrew Foo said he intends to train an additional 20 persons in this area. This is in keeping with the need to address violations of the City’s by-laws and the mandate of the Constabulary to serve and protect the citizens and assets of the Council. The City Constabulary Department is mandated to secure the Municipality’s assets and enforce the by-laws.