Applicable To: Zone Six employees assigned to the Bicycle Unit, Section commanders and supervisors

Approval Authority:  Major C.A. Banda

Signature:  Signed by CAB

Date Signed:  9/21/2004

1.               PURPOSE

To establish policies and patrol details within the bicycle patrol unit of Zone Six.

2.               POLICY

It is the policy of Zone Six to utilize the bicycle patrol for extra patrol in designated areas, certain community functions and details at the discretion of the section commander.

3.               RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1              It is the responsibility of the Day Watch Commander or his designee to ensure               compliance with this command memorandum and all standard operation procedures.

3.2              The Day Watch Commander will monitor the activities of the bicycle patrol to ensure that the unit is in compliance with the directives and the goals of the zone.

4.               ACTION

4.1              Selection

4.1.1           The section commander will select officers that are in good physical condition and that can interact well with the community.  Officers that are trained in bicycle patrol are preferred.

4.1.2           It is also the responsibility of the Day Watch Commander that the bicycle patrol is focusing on the areas of concern established by the section commander.

4.1.3           An officer assigned to the bicycle patrol shall maintain an “effective” rating in their QPAI monthly evaluation.  If an officer has unacceptable ratings back to back or three in a twelve-month period, they may be removed from the bicycle patrol.

4.2              Deployment

4.2.1           Day Watch Commander will bring the Bike Patrol sign in sheet to the Zone Six reception.  At 1000 hours, the receptionist will fax the Daily Assignment Sheet to Communications.  Officers will immediately report to their assigned area and will patrol that area for the remainder of their shift, unless ordered otherwise.  Officers may leave their area if: a supervisor gives approval, the

                  officer is attending court; out of service lunch break (1/2 hr. max), the officer needs to complete a computer report, training (4.3.3), or the officer is participating in a Street Sweep” (zone coverage either vehicle or bike).  The officer will advise the dispatcher if he/she is outside of their assigned area.

4.2.2           Bicycle patrol details will concentrate on problems specified by the section commander.

4.2.3           Bicycle patrol officers assigned north of Dekalb Ave. will conduct a minimum of two directed patrols on the bike path per day, for fifteen minutes each.

4.2.4           Bicycle patrol units will be assigned to areas of patrol at the discretion of the commander and the section commander.  Bicycle patrol will be encouraged to establish relationships with the commander and will be required to participate in various community functions.  Members will attend community meetings and support community projects as directed by the section commander.

4.2.5           The unit at full strength will have two bicycle patrols at the East Atlanta Area, two units at the Little Five Points area, and two units at the North Highland area.  These patrols will be changed according to the number of personnel in the unit and at the discretion of the section commander.

4.2.7           Bicycle units will also be utilized for special details and community functions at the discretion of the unit commander and the section commander.

4.2.8           Officer will complete their Daily Activity Sheets, listing directed patrols, droppings, cases and mileage (if the unit has an odometer).

4.3              Training

4.3.1           The section commander will ensure that proper training and safety procedures are followed according to the written directives of the department as well as the zone.

4.3.2           Bike Patrol Officers may have self-initiated training rides.  These rides will be completed in Zone Six, up to twice per week for one hour.  Officers must advise their supervisor and radio.

4.3.3           The Day Watch Commander will evaluate the performance of each bicycle patrol officer for general fitness and safe riding techniques on a weekly basis.

4.4              Uniforms and Equipment

4.4.1           The Day Watch Commander will ensure that all officers assigned to the bicycle unit are in full compliance with APD.SOP.2130 “Dress Code/Uniforms” and APD.SOP.4070 “Bicycle Patrol”

4.5.1           All bicycles in the bicycle patrol will be serviced by the authorized dealer when needed as outlined in APD.SOP.4070 “Bicycle Patrol”.  While bicycles are being serviced, bicycle patrol officers may check out a bicycle from SSD after approval from a Day Watch Commander.  

4.5.2           All bicycles will be inspected visibly before every tour of duty.  This visible inspection will include checking the tire pressure, chain wear, and general wear of the bicycle itself.  If the bicycle shows to have any unusual wear, an authorized dealer should service the bicycle immediately and the officer should notify a bicycle patrol supervisor.

4.6              Safety and Riding Techniques

4.6.1           Officers assigned to bicycle unit will comply with all state, city and department regulations.  Supervisors will ensure that all officers comply with these regulations.                             

5.               DEFINITIONS

                  N/A

6.               CANCELLATIONS

                  N/A

7.               REFERENCES

APD.SOP.2130 “Dress Code/Uniforms”

APD.SOP.4070 “Bicycle Patrol”