Chapter9 - Bicycle Unit

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPONENT SOP MANUAL – CHAPTER 9 CHAPTER 9 BICYCLE UNIT I. Introduction The Bike Unit Officers are part of the Special Operations Component. The unit is comprised of a Unit Supervisor (Sergeant) and five officers. The Unit Supervisor is responsible to the Special Operations Component Supervisor. The remaining staff is responsible to the Bike Unit Supervisor. II. Purpose The Bike Unit Officers’ mission is to improve the quality of life for residents of the City of Coral Springs. III. Coordination with Other Units/Agencies A. Due to the tactical advantages of an officer on a bike, the Unit may be used to help other units within the department. The Bicycle unit is ideal for covering areas that are not accessible to vehicles for surveillance and assistance with street gang enforcement. B. The Bicycle Unit may be assigned to participate in special events during which the Unit could provide additional coverage or security. The bicycle is an excellent tool to cover a large area and can be ridden through crowds without endangering citizens. IV. Bike Unit Supervisor – Sergeant A. The Bike Unit Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the unit. B. The Supervisor is responsible for the officers under their command as well as the work performed by members of the unit. C. The Supervisor is responsible for all associated administrative duties as outlined in SOC Chapters 1-3. D. The Supervisor must be ready to assume and perform the duties of subordinates in order to supplement staff shortages. V. Bike Unit Officers A. Recruitment to Bike Unit The selection of Officers for the Bicycle Unit is based on several important characteristics that would assure the success of the Unit. These characteristics require a self-starting individual who has a high level of motivation, requires little supervision, has a high degree of maturity and professionalism, and possesses a positive attitude. B. Minimum Qualifications SOC/9 - 1 AMENDED OCTOBER 2023 SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPONENT SOP MANUAL – CHAPTER 9 1. Must be in good physical condition and have no medical condition that would preclude the candidate from riding a mountain bike. 2. Must successfully complete the approved “Bicycle Officer Patrol School.” 3. The candidate must have the ability to interact and work closely with the public in highly visible situations. 4. Candidates must also be flexible and available on an as needed basis. 5. Due to the strenuous duties associated with the bike patrol, it is essential to maintain a positive mental attitude. Top physical conditioning resulting from proper diet, exercise, and rest will play a major role in keeping alert while on patrol. 6. The best candidate will possess good physical conditioning, good interpersonal relations skills and a desire to develop and carry out pro-active policing tactics. He/she is committed to the teamwork concept, and in building community partnerships through the philosophies of Community Oriented Policing C. The basic functions of the Bicycle Unit are: 1. Provide high visibility pro-active police patrol services using a department issued multi- speed mountain bicycle. 2. Investigate crimes, offenses, incidents and conditions, including arresting offenders. 3. Develop a positive relationship between citizens and the Department. 4. Conduct crime prevention activities. 5. Conduct bicycle safety classes for children, groups or organizations. 6. Patrol City parks. D. The tactical advantages of the bicycle make it ideal to use in problem areas of the city, which require directed patrol. The Bike Unit can saturate an area undetected or by being highly visible. Suspects/lookouts do not expect police to be on bikes or approach via routes other than the roadway. They are not aware of an officer watching from a field, coming out of a wooded area, or closing in from behind buildings. None of these areas are accessible with a marked patrol vehicle. E. It is important for officers working the Bicycle Unit to have a positive attitude and willingness to interact with citizens. Due to the accessibility of the bike officer, citizens will feel free to talk or ask questions of them. The officer should encourage this type of contact and use this opportunity to develop a positive image of law enforcement. F. Officers in the Bike Unit should approach business owners and citizens to learn their concerns and habits. The officer can use this information to identify special problems. SOC/9 - 2 AMENDED OCTOBER 2023 SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPONENT SOP MANUAL – CHAPTER 9 G. Officers are encouraged to attend special bicycle functions and schools to teach and promote bicycle safety. H. Officers on bikes have the unique opportunity to use all their senses. This, combined with better citizen contact, will enable the bike officer to identify areas and activities of concern. VI. Uniforms and Equipment A. Members of the Bike Unit will receive uniforms and equipment as outlined in General Order 20 in addition to items included in this SOP. B. The daily uniform for members in the Bicycle Unit are: 1. Black or blue padded bicycle shorts (optional) 2. Class B patrol uniform shirt or polo shirt with “Bike Unit” on the sleeve, navy blue bike shorts or bicycle pants. 3. Nylon/synthetic leather gun belt, holster, cuff case, magazine case and outer vest carrier with badge, name tag, tourniquet, ASP and Taser. (Reflective Patch on back of vest “POLICE”) 4. Black low or mid-top shoes C. The specific equipment for members of the Bicycle Unit is: 1. Department issued multi-speed bicycle 2. Bicycle helmet 3. Rear bike pack 4. Bicycle Rack 5. Rechargeable light system 6. Bicycle gloves 7. Rechargeable flashlight with holder 8. Tactical outer carrier vest D. Each member of the Bike Unit is responsible for ensuring that his or her issued bicycle is properly maintained, and is responsible for making the Bicycle Unit sergeant aware of any mechanical problems as soon as possible. E. Only members of the Bike Unit and part-time bicycle officers are authorized to operate any of the bicycles, which are in the Unit's inventory. SOC/9 - 3 AMENDED OCTOBER 2023 SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPONENT SOP MANUAL – CHAPTER 9 F. A checklist of equipment received by each member will be maintained by the Bicycle Unit Sergeant. Members will initial the checklist as proof of receipt.