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ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: August 10, 2021  Amends 6.2.26 ( June 27, 2017 ) Number: 6.2.26 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: March Reviewing Authority: High Risk Incident Command/ERT Subject: Bike Patrol This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish the responsibilities and training of a Bike Patrol deputy and outline the specifications, care, and operational use of the law enforcement mountain bike and related equipment. 2. Policy It is the policy of the agency to utilize deputies with bike patrol certification to provide a highly mobile law enforcement presence to enhance citizen contact. 3. Definitions A. Bike Mechanic – an agency member designated by the Bike Patrol Manager who is authorized and trained to perform agency bicycle repairs. B. Bike Patrol Manager – a manager assigned the responsibility of overseeing and coordinating bicycle inven tory and certification within the agency. C. Police Mountain Bike Instructor – a sworn agency member who has completed an agency approved Police Mountain Bike Instructor course and is currently certified. 4. Procedures A. Safety Procedures 1. Personnel shall wear a bike helmet at all times when operating a bike. The wearing of approved eye protection and bike gloves is encouraged. 2. Safety illumination devices will be utilized in accordance with applicable law. 3. Bikes will be inspected prior to use. Special attention should be given to proper adjustments, worn parts, defects and/or any condition affecting the safe operation. B. Bike Assignment 1. Supervisors shall assign each bike within their unit to a primary user. 6.2.26 , Page 2 of 3 2. All individually assign ed bicycles will be recorded and signed for on the individual’s Equipment and Property Receipt at Material Control/Supply. 3. Pool bikes will be assigned to the appropriate section commander’s, or designee, inventory list. C. Training 1. Bike Certificati on School a. The Bike Patrol Manager shall be responsible for the organization and implementation of the agency approved fort y (40) hour basic Bike Certification Course. b. Successful completion of the forty (40) hour Bike Certification Course is a prerequ isite for personnel that will utilize an agency -owned bicycle. 2. In-Service Bike Related Training a. Sector/Section in -service training will be conducted by a certified Mountain Bike Instructor. The curriculum must be approved by the Bike Patrol Manager. b. In-service training should be a minimum of 4 hours per year. c. Certified Police Mountain Bike Instructors shall determine the training is relevant to the job description of the specific unit before submitting it to the Bike Patrol Manager for approval. d. The Bike Patrol Manager shall approve or disapprove the training request in writing within two (2) weeks of receipt of the training request. e. Within two (2) weeks of the completion of the training session, the Certified Police Mountain Bike Instructor shall su bmit a brief memo to the Bike Patrol Manager , indicating that the training has been completed. This memo will include a copy of the In-Service Sign -In Shee t. A copy will be forwarded to Training for documentation in the employee’s training file. D. Bike Care and Maintenance 1. Personnel shall maintain assigned bikes in clean, safe and good working order at all times. Any damage or inoperable conditions will be reported, documented, and routed to the appropriate Section Commander as soon as possible. 2. Modifications to bikes a re prohibited unless approved by a supervisor, who is a certified bike instructor or the Bike Patrol Manager. 3. Routine repairs will be made by bike operators and approved by a supervisor. 4. Tune -ups, overhauls, and major repairs will be approved by th e sector/section Commander and completed by an agency Bike Mechanic or an approved vendor. The respective sector/section will be responsible for the associated costs. 6.2.26 , Page 3 of 3 5. Bikes will not be left unsecured except in emergencies. The designated bike storage compounds will be kept secured at all times. 6. When transporting bikes on motor vehicles, the issued bike rack must be used. Bikes will be properly secured to prevent damage to bikes and vehicles. E. Uniforms and Accessories 1. Deputies working bike patr ol shall wear agency approved uniforms. No personally owned accessories may be worn without approval of the Bike Patrol Manager . 2. Uniform apparel or equipment will not be tested without the prior approval of the Bike Patrol Manager, in accordance with GO 9.1.2, Appearance, Uniforms and Equipment . 3. Any request to change the issued uniforms and/or equipment will be forwarded in writing to the Material Control/Supply Director via the Bike Patrol Manager and Division Commander. 4. Supervisors shall conduct monthly inspections to confirm that bikes are properly and safely maintained. G. Bike Patrol Manager 1. The Bike Patrol Manager shall be appointed by High Risk Incident Command . 2. The Bike Patrol Manager shall confirm the following: a. Uniformity of all bikes acquired to include specifications and accessories. b. Uniforms and equipment are consistent with agency policy. c. That training is developed, implemented, and m eets the standards as approved by Training.