Department
of Public Safety
University of Massachusetts Boston
Cops on Bicycles Patrol Program
The Bicycle Patrol Unit began in 1996 in order to address several concerns of the UMass community. One was to create the ability to quickly and efficiently patrol and respond to areas of the campus which are inaccessible to vehicles, but too large for traditional foot patrols.
A second concern was to create a more approachable police officer. Bicycle patrol officers are assigned specifically to areas where there are greater concentrations of citizens on foot. This puts them literally closer to the public and allows them to listen to citizen concerns and act directly on those concerns. This also allows the officers to be more driven by the needs of the community rather than only responding for calls for service.
A third concern was to make the police more visible; both to deter crime and enhance the accessibility of officers.
Bicycle patrol officers also have the ability to better enforce laws, monitor road conditions for pedestrians, promote bike safety, encourage crime prevention practices and promote officer fitness.
The Bicycle Patrol Unit, aside from patrol and enforcement, also provides crime prevention and safety information to the University.
For more information
or to make suggestions, please contact Lt. Patricia McBride at the University
Police, (617) 287-7799
UMass
Boston, member of the Massachusetts Campus Watch
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 8:41
