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Applicable To: Bureau, division, and section commanders and sworn employees |
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Approval
Authority: Chief Richard J.
Pennington |
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Signature: Signed by RJP |
Date Signed: 9/3/09 |
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| Table of Content | |||
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4.6 Safety and Riding Techniques
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To establish community-oriented anti-crime bicycle patrols within the Atlanta Police Department.
The Atlanta Police Department will use all available resources to meet the challenges of community-oriented policing and to reduce crime and its impact on community through the use of bicycle patrols.
3.1 The Field Operations Division (FOD) commander will be responsible for implementing and administering the bicycle patrol program. FOD will maintain a list of active bicycle patrols throughout the City.
3.2 The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) commander will be responsible for monitoring the bicycle patrol program implemented in Weed and Seed.
3.3 The Support Services Division (SSD) commander will arrange for the acquisition, repair, and replacement of bicycles, uniforms, and other equipment.
3.4 All zone and section commanders will ensure compliance with this directive. They will manage their component of the bicycle patrol program as outlined in this SOP. This will include the selection of personnel, equipment, and the designation of patrol areas and hours. Each zone and section commander will designate a supervisor to be in charge of the bicycle patrol officers. If the zone does not have a bicycle patrol supervisor, then the zone watch supervisor will oversee the bicycle patrol officers.
3.5 The Training Academy will develop a training curriculum, with assistance from the Departmental and other bicycle experts.
3.6 The bicycle patrol supervisor or the zone watch supervisor will direct and monitor the actions of all personnel under his or her supervision and insure proper compliance with all parts of this directive.
3.7 The bicycle patrol officer will adhere to this directive and operate his or her bicycle in a safe manner, take proper care of the equipment, and practice community-oriented policing in the execution of their duties.
4.1.1 Each section commander will select the sworn employees for his or her bicycle patrol. The physical fitness of the officers and their ability to interact with the community in a positive manner must be primary considerations in the selection process (see APD.SOP.2101 “Specialized and Temporary Assignments”).
4.1.2 Each zone, the Airport section, and the Weed and Seed program may have a bicycle patrol. The size of each unit and the selection of personnel will be determined by the zone or section commander. Zone or section commanders can designate special equipment required by their unit with the approval of the SSD commander.
4.1.3 All sworn employees selected for the section’s bicycle patrol will have completed the bicycle training program prior to assignment (see Section 4.3).
4.2.1 Bicycle patrol officers will concentrate on problems specified by the zone and section commander.
4.2.2 Bicycle patrol officers will usually be assigned to patrols of at least two officers, but may patrol alone at the zone or section commander's discretion.
4.2.3 Bicycle patrol officers will be assigned to regular patrol areas and are encouraged to establish relationships with the members of the community. Members will attend community meetings and support community projects as directed by the section commander.
4.3.1 The Training Academy will assist in developing a training curriculum that teaches physical conditioning to reduce the risk of injury or death to bicycle patrol officers. It will also emphasize positive interaction with the public. The training will be modeled after the International Police Mountain Bike Associations Police Cyclist training course and the League of American Bicyclists Effective Cyclists training program.
4.3.2 The training curriculum will emphasize bicycle safety, defensive riding tactics, and how to maintain a high level of physical fitness through proper diet, exercise, and rest.
4.4.1 All uniform and equipment items for the bicycle patrol unit will be designated and approved by the SSD commander.
4.4.2 Bicycle patrol officers will wear Department-approved and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or Snell Memorial Foundation (SNELL) approved safety helmets and shatter resistant eye protection at all times while mounted on the bicycle.
4.4.3 The bicycle patrol uniform will only be worn when performing duties as a member of the bicycle patrol, unless permission is granted in writing by the section commander.
4.4.4 Bicycle patrol officers will wear protective body armor at all times.
4.4.5 Bicycle patrol officers will ensure that their bicycle is secured with a lock when away from the bike and when it is practical to do so.
4.4.6 Bicycles equipped with all the minimum state law required reflectors and five-watt headlights (recommended ten-watts rechargeable headlight system) and a taillight will be used for night patrols. (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-296 (a))
4.4.7 Traffic vests will be carried in bicycle bags for emergency use such as being in the rain, during those hours of darkness, for increased visibility and directing traffic.
4.5.1 Bicycle patrol officers will inspect their bicycle prior to pulling into service for signs of damage and to correct minor problems. Any damage or maintenance problems will be noted on the back of the Daily Activity Report (Form APD 607).
4.5.2 Bicycle patrol officers will limit their maintenance to that described below. A trained maintenance specialist designated by the SSD commander will perform any necessary maintenance other than described below:
1. Check the tire pressure before each shift to insure tires are properly inflated. Use a tire gauge to insure proper tire inflation. Inspect tires for damage, defects, and remove any glass, thorns, or other debris that could cause flats.
2. Replace the inner tubes on flat tires after proper training by a maintenance specialist and with the proper tools.
3. Ensure that both wheels are running straight or true and each part is properly tightened. If the wheels are not running straight, a trained maintenance specialist will service the bicycle.
4. Ensure that the brakes are making contact with the rims of the wheels and that the brakes stop the bicycle in a safe manner. (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-296(b))
5. Replace the chain on the gears, if it slips off.
6. Clean the bicycles with water and clean sponges. Officers will avoid using high-pressure hoses, steam cleaners, etc.
7. Apply lubricants as needed to the bicycle once fully trained by the maintenance specialists. Only lubricants approved for use by the appointed maintenance specialists will be used.
4.5.3 Bicycle patrol or watch supervisors will closely monitor each bicycle's use to ensure that each bicycle receives a regular inspection and maintenance as determined by the maintenance specialists.
4.5.4 Bicycle patrol or watch supervisors will maintain a monthly inspection checklist for each bicycle to ensure it is properly equipped and functional for each tour of duty, the checklist will include the following:
1. Check tire pressure – always maintain within a range of 55 – 65 psi;
2. Check chain – insure proper lubrication;
3. Pedal cranks backwards and check for stiff or bent links in the drive chain;
4. Squeeze front brake and rock bike forward and backward to check for loose headset;
5. Check crank bolts for proper tightness;
6. Spin both wheels to check for trueness;
7. Check front and rear brake pads for wear;
8. Insure that both brake and shift cables are in good condition and are capped on the ends;
9. Check front and rear brake levers and insure that they engage firmly without bottoming out on bars; and
10. Check all quick releases to insure that they are safely and securely engaged.
4.6 Safety and Riding Techniques
4.6.1 Bicycle patrol officers will observe state traffic law regarding the safe use of bicycles. Officers will obey all traffic signals and ride with caution and courtesy, however, there are times when you can justifiably disobey the law while driving a police car, those same justifications should be present before you do so on a police bike; extra caution should be used while operating police vehicles that are not equipped with emergency lights and siren. (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-291)
4.6.2 When practical, bicycle patrol officers will follow lane-positioning rules on public highways and ride as close as practicable to the right edge of the road. Riding double is acceptable for safe bicycle operations and communications, but riding single file will be the norm conducive to better traffic flow. Riding on the left side of the road is acceptable when making a left turn or to avoid hazards to safe cycling. (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-294(a))
4.6.3 Bicycle patrol officers will monitor themselves and one another for heat exhaustion and drink water regularly while riding. Officers should consume eight ounces of water for every hour of physical exertion.
4.6.4 Bicycle patrol officers will comply with all Departmental regulations, rules, and directives regarding safety when handling calls.
4.6.5 Bicycle patrol officers will not be required to ride in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit for officer safety.
4.6.6 Bicycle patrol officers will carry and use police whistles as warning devices. If worn around the neck, breakaway lanyards will be used.
5.1 Community-oriented policing: focuses on crime and social disorder through the delivery of police services that includes aspects of traditional law enforcement, as well as prevention, problem-solving, community engagement, and partnerships. The community-policing model balances reactive responses to calls for service with proactive problem solving centered on the causes of crime and disorder. Community policing requires police and citizens to join together as partners in the course of both identifying and effectively addressing these issues.
APD.SOP.4070 “Bicycle Patrol”, issued November 1, 2006
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies 5th. Edition Standard 41.1.3.
Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), www.cops.usdoj.gov, “What is community policing?” (Definition)
O.C.G.A. § 40-6-291 “Bicycles and Traffic Laws”
O.C.G.A. § 40-6-294 “Operating bicycle on the right side of roadway…”
O.C.G.A. § 40-6-296 “Bicycle Equipment”
Complete Guide to Police Cycling, International Police Mountain Bike Association
Effective Cycling, John Forester, League of American Bicyclists |
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