HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 1995 0517 CC REG ITEM 11CMoorpark Police Department
MEMORA N D [ M
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Marty Rouse, Lieutenafr�',
DATE: May 8, 1995
SUBJECT: Bicycle Patrol (C.C. Meeting of May 17, 1995)
ISSUE
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ITEM 11146
The Moorpark Police Department is currently exploring the possible implementation of a bicycle
patrol program.
BACKGROUND
The Moorpark Police Department is continuously exploring ideas that lend themselves to
increased interaction with the public. The Resource Center along with ongoing crime prevention
and education programs are some of the avenues currently in operation.
During the past few years several police agencies have implemented a bicycle patrol program
within their respective jurisdictions. The bicycle program initially was intended to provide
increased mobility to patrol in beach communities where there was a great deal of pedestrian
traffic and parking lots. The program met with success and has now expanded to many other
police agencies.
The bicycle patrol program lends itself not only to positive contacts with the public but also is an
additional option when planning for special enforcement
DISCUSSION
The initial equipment for this program (two bicycles and uniforms) would be funded entirely by
citizen and corporate donations. All deputy patrol time would be funded by the existing overtime
budget (downtown enforcement). Administrative staff (Sergeant, CSO and detectives) may be
utilized during regular work hours to supplement the program as workload allows. Hours of
deployment are flexible and would be determined by the police department lieutenant or sergeant.
The bicycles would be utilized to increase citizen and police contacts during special events where
there may be increased pedestrian traffic. Other uses would include evening and late night patrol
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in areas where a more stealth mode of patrol may allow for potential interruption of criminal
activity. Current estimates for a specialized police bicycle with equipment ranges from
approximately $925 to just over $1,000. Uniform costs are approximately $100 each depending
on the various options available. The total amount of funding required is not expected to exceed
$2,500. Minor repairs and upkeep would be budgeted under the existing police budget. Contacts
made with other police agencies with bicycle patrols report minor maintenance and damage
problems. The majority of preliminary inquiries as to potential maintenance costs include tune -
ups at $30.00 per bicycle. There is no request for future replacement cost funding. Replacement
bicycles, if needed, would be replaced by future donation fundraiser events. The anticipated start-
up of the bicycle patrol program depends on the success of raising donated funds. Our desire is to
implement the program by late summer.
Training Requirements
Deputies participating in the program would be selected by the lieutenant and would receive
training prior to deployment. All training costs would be absorbed in the current training budget.
The Newport Beach Police Department sponsors a Police Officer Standards and Training (POST)
certified three day class for officers assigned to bicycle patrols. This class is currently offered at
no cost to outside police agencies. The foundation for instruction centers around reducing the
potential for injury to officers and bike maintenance A portion of the class is devoted to off road
deployment. It is not anticipated that there will be any increase in officer injuries with the proper
training.
The Ventura County Sheriffs Department periodically offers a three day class along the same lines
but not on a regular basis. Deputies will attend this training if a class is scheduled at or near the
time of implementation of the program.
The only anticipated downside to the program is that more officers assigned to the Moorpark
Police Department will apply for this collateral assignment: than the available hours allocated for
the program.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends City Council approval for the Moorpark Police Department to solicit donations
for possible funding of the police bicycles and uniforms
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