JPD expands policing efforts with return of bike patrol unit
JACKSON, Tenn. — You might have seen Jackson police officers patrolling the area on bicycles.
It’s because officers have underwent extensive training this week, learning basic and advanced bicycle skills, safety and how to use e-bikes in enforcement efforts.
The Jackson Police Department announces the return of a bike patrol unit. In the last six months, the unit has come together with officers now assigned and uniforms in.
Thursday, officers completed training with the assistance of Middle Tennessee State University.
The five new e-bikes are equipped with heavy duty tires, taillights, blue and white flashing lights, and a siren.
They can be used by pedalling or by a motor, that draws power from the battery, providing extra torque to aid in pedaling.
Police Chief Thom Corley says the e-bikes will have a variety of purposes in the Hub City.
“In neighborhoods. We are certainly going to use them in our parks we are going to use them for special events,” said Chief Thom Corley.
It will also expand patrol routes that aren’t accessible by vehicle. According to the International Police Mountain Bike Association, bikes are less threatening than patrol vehicles.
Chief Corley says it’s a different way of policing but has a community-driven approach behind it.
“It goes outside the box of a normal patrol. We’ve got a lot of waves,” said Chief Corley.
According to Chief Corley, previously, there was a bike patrol unit in the 90’s as part of a community crime reduction unit.
However, it was phased out over the years as the area expanded.
Officers will also have bike racks installed on patrol vehicles to transport the bikes when needed.
The bikes are roughly $3,000 each and were purchased with insurance recovery money from previous vehicles that were damaged.
Officers uniforms are much different than what you normally see them in. Uniforms are a lightweight, breathable material to help keep officers cool while riding.
Officers will also have a hydration pack worn over their vests to keep them hydrated.
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