BICYCLE PATROL THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE BICYCLE PATROL TEAM
for deputies to approach, contact, and
deputies and the public safe, as well as
interact with those in the public. Patrol-
projecting a professional image while
ling on a bicycle allows the deputies to
serving the public.
is a specialty unit comprised of deputies
would otherwise stop a patrol vehicle in
and senior deputies who are specially trained to perform public safety patrol functions on a bicycle. Members of the Bike Patrol Team are trained to deploy and provide public safety services during events with large crowds. These types of events occur regularly throughout San Luis Obispo County and examples include parades, holiday events, concerts, community events, races, and various other special events. Deputies who patrol on bicycles can cover larger areas than foot patrol deputies, as they can navigate crowded areas that might limit both a patrol car’s mobility, as well as deputies who might deploy on foot. One of the biggest advantages of bicycle patrol is the ability for deputies to connect with the
and avoid obstacles and hazards that its tracks. The Sheriff’s Office Bike Team enjoys these opportunities to positively interact with the community.
bicycles have more opportunities to engage with the public, as it is easier for the public to approach and speak with a deputy on a bicycle, and equally easier
Although the pandemic in 2021 brought challenges to San Luis Obispo County communities, the Bike Patrol Team was deployed at several events, mostly for crowd management. Each of these events involved large crowds of people
Bike Patrol Team deputies train together
converging on specific areas, which
over the course of the year. Bike Patrol
would present logistical challenges for a
Team trainings build on basic bicycle
patrol vehicle. The Bike Patrol Team’s
riding skills as well as develop patrol-
presence at these events enabled law
specific riding skills. The team’s
enforcement to ensure that the proceed-
instructor and supervisor work together
ings were safe and successful. The
to develop training modules that prepare
Sheriff’s Office Bike Patrol Team is
members for various bicycle patrol
honored to assist their local agencies in
deployments. For example, since
maintaining peace and security for
balance and control at low speeds are
residents, visitors, and business owners.
essential skills needed in confined and crowded areas, one of the Bike Patrol Team’s training exercises typically requires riders to navigate a cone obstacle course at slow speeds. One of the challenges in maintaining a
community. Deputies deployed on
50
navigate swiftly in various environments
Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic this year, the Sheriff’s Office Bike Patrol Team still deployed on what is typically their biggest bike detail event of the year: the annual Cayucos Fourth of July Celebration. Although this year the
public safety bike team, or any specialty
event was significantly scaled-down, the
unit or assignment, is keeping up with
Sheriff’s Office Bike Patrol Team was still
the modernization of equipment,
honored to serve the community.
technology, and uniforms. All of these resources are important in keeping
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
