Police Bicycle Patrol

The Trent Woods Police Department has started a bicycle patrol thanks to donations from Trent Woods citizens. Due to this years tight budget the police departments request for equipment to start a bicycle patrol was cut. On hearing this Mac Flythe, owner of Flythe's Bicycle Shop and Trent Woods resident, agreed to donate a new mountain bike to the department. Mr. Flythe presented this bicycle to Chief Michael Register at the July 8, 2004 Town Board meeting. Immediately after this presentation Mayor J. Don Day donated his mayor's monthly paycheck of $500.00 for bicycle uniforms and equipment. The police department would like to thank these citizens for their commitment to the safety of their community.

Police Bike Patrols have been proven to be effective in areas of law enforcement such as community relations and crime reduction. Bike Patrol Officers have better access to citizens because they are not confined to a vehicle and can go into places that vehicles cannot. Officers on Bike Patrol have a greater awareness of their surrounding because they are out in the open and are able to hear and see more activity, including crimes in progress. Statistics have shown that Bike Patrols have significantly contributed to the reduction of "street level" crimes such as car theft, home invasion, and illegal drug activity because officers are able to patrol areas where they cannot be seen or heard by criminals. Bike Patrols have also been shown to be effective with the adolescent population in areas of teaching bicycle safety and awareness. Officer's on Bike Patrol can also ride their bicycles along side children and set a good example of bicycle helmet and safety gear use as well as highway rules and regulations.