Policy Text
Policy
437Fremont Police Department
Bicycle Patrol Unit
437.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Fremont Police Department has established the Bicycle Patrol Unit (BPU) for the purpose
of enhancing patrol efforts in the community. Bicycle patrol has been shown to be an effective
way to increase officer visibility in congested areas and their quiet operation can provide a tactical
approach to crimes in progress. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the safe
and effective operation of the patrol bicycle.
437.2 POLICY
Patrol bicycles may be used for regular patrol duty, traffic enforcement, parking control, or special
events. The use of the patrol bicycle will emphasize their mobility and visibility to the community.
Bicycles may be deployed to any area at all hours of the day or night, according to Department
needs and as staffing levels allow.
Requests for specific deployment of bicycle patrol officers shall be coordinated through the Bicycle
Patrol Unit supervisor or the Watch Commander.
437.3 SELECTION OF PERSONNEL
Interested sworn personnel will be selected through the standard collateral duty assignment
process, as outlined in policy #1005, Specialty Assignments . In addition to the staff evaluation
and and oral interview, candidates will be required to demonstrate proficiency riding a bicycle, and
pass the bicycle skills test which which will be administered by the Bicycle Patrol Unit Supervisor
and specially trained Bicycle Patrol Instructors.
437.3.1 BICYCLE PATROL UNIT SUPERVISOR
The Bicycle Patrol Unit supervisor will be selected from the rank of sergeant by the Patrol Division
Commander or his/her designee.
The Bicycle Patrol Unit supervisor shall have responsibility for the following:
(a)Organizing bicycle patrol training.
(b)Inspecting and maintaining inventory of patrol bicycles and program equipment.
(c)Scheduling maintenance and repairs.
(d)Evaluating performance of bicycle officers.
(e)Coordinating activities with the Patrol Division.
(f)Other activities as required to maintain the efficient operation of the Bicycle Patrol Unit.
437.4 TRAINING
Participants in the program must complete an initial Department approved bicycle-training course
after acceptance into the program. Thereafter bicycle patrol officers should receive twice yearly
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Bicycle Patrol Unit
in-service training to improve skills and refresh safety, health and operational procedures. The
twice yearly training is subject to budget allowance and staffing considerations of the department.
The initial training shall minimally include the following:
•Bicycle patrol strategies.
•Bicycle safety and accident prevention.
•Operational tactics using bicycles.
Bicycle patrol officers will be required to qualify with their duty firearm while wearing bicycle safety
equipment including the helmet and riding gloves.
437.5 UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
Officers shall wear the department-approved uniform and safety equipment while operating
the department bicycle. Safety equipment includes department-approved helmet, riding gloves,
protective eyewear and approved footwear.
The bicycle patrol unit uniform consists of the standard short-sleeve uniform shirt or other
department-approved shirt with department badge and patches, and department-approved bicycle
patrol pants or shorts.
Optional equipment includes a radio head set and microphone, and jackets in colder weather.
Turtleneck shirts or sweaters are permitted when worn under the uniform shirt.
Bicycle patrol officers shall carry the same equipment on the bicycle patrol duty belt as they would
on a regular patrol assignment.
Officers will be responsible for obtaining the necessary forms, citation books and other department
equipment needed while on bicycle patrol.
437.6 CARE AND USE OF PATROL BICYCLES
Officers assigned to bicycle patrol will check out a specially marked and equipped patrol bicycle,
with attached gear bag.
Bicycles utilized for uniformed bicycle patrol shall be primarily black or white in with a "POLICE"
decal affixed to each side of the crossbar or the bike's saddlebag. Every such bicycle shall be
equipped with front and rear reflectors.
Bicycles utilized for uniformed bicycle patrol shall be equipped with a rear rack and/or saddle
bag(s) sufficient to carry all necessary equipment to handle routine patrol calls including report
writing, vehicle storage and citations. Each bicycle gear bag shall include a first aid kit.
Bicycles may be equipped with a steady or flashing blue warning light that is visible from the front,
sides, or rear of the bicycle. ( Vehicle Code § 21201.3)
Bicycle officers shall conduct an inspection of the bicycle and equipment prior to use to insure
proper working order of the equipment. Officers are responsible for the routine care and
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Fremont Police Department
Bicycle Patrol Unit
maintenance of their assigned equipment (e.g., tire pressure, chain lubrication, overall cleaning).
If a needed repair is beyond the ability of the bicycle officer, a repair work order will be completed
and forwarded to the program supervisor for repair by an approved technician. Each bicycle will
be inspected once yearly, and any necessary maintenance should be performed by a department
approved repair shop/technician.
At the end of a bicycle assignment, the bicycle shall be returned clean and ready for the next
tour of duty.
Officers shall not modify the patrol bicycle, remove, modify or add components except with the
expressed approval of the bicycle supervisor, or in the event of an emergency.
Vehicle bicycle racks are available should the officer need to transport the patrol bicycle. Due to
possible component damage, transportation of the patrol bicycle in a trunk or on a patrol car push-
bumper is discouraged.
Bicycles shall be