Bike Patrol
The Bike Patrol began in Upper Arlington in 1994. It was designed to provide a more personal response to the needs of the residents and to supply patrol activity in congested areas such as shopping centers and parks.
The Bike Patrol is also utilized for parades, marathon runs and other functions where large groups of people are present and patrol cars cannot get into the crowd. Eight officers were selected from many who volunteered for this assignment. After the selection was made, the officers were sent to Bike Patrol School to learn fundamentals of police biking. The training included how to patrol on bikes, how to climb and descend steps, how to perform moving take-downs of suspects, as well as bike maintenance, health and nutrition tips.
Because of the expense of tailor-made uniforms, each officer chosen is required to dedicate two years to the program. Each bike officer may go out on patrol from headquarters on the bike and take calls just like any other police officer, or he/she may attach the bike to a carrier on the back of a cruiser and only put the bike into service as necessary.
The benefits of Bike Patrol are numerous. Bike Patrol provides officers the opportunity to utilize their talents in Community Oriented Policing techniques and assist in setting an example for residents as safe cyclists using equipment properly. The Bike Patrol also allows officers to patrol areas heavily congested with pedestrians, such as shopping centers, festivals, and parade routes.
Beggar's Night and Pumpkin Patrol
Beggar's Night will take place in Upper Arlington neighborhoods on Thursday, October 29, from 6 to 8 p.m.
To help ensure the safety of children, each year the Police Division coordinates Pumpkin Patrol. Marked City trucks with City employee volunteers patrol neighborhoods and are available to assist young children if they become lost, scared, hurt, or in other need of assistance, and to pass out candy. All trucks are equipped with two-way radios to alert appropriate emergency personnel.
The division offers the following safety tips to ensure a safe, fun evening for all:
Tips for Kids:
Tips for Parents:
- Be sure to know where your child will be trick-or-treating.
- Avoid costumes that are flammable, and obstruct vision or movement.
- Supply your child with either light colored clothing or a flashlight.
- Check your child's Halloween candy before he/she eats any. If you think anything has been tampered with, notify Police
- Quiz your child on all the safety rules before he/she leaves the house.
For additional details of Beggar's Night or the City's Pumpkin Patrol, please call the Police Community Relations line, at 583-5197. |
