NCJ Number
192755
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 68 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 49-54
Editor(s)
Charles E. Higginbotham
Date Published
November 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article explores the hidden expenses of a law enforcement bicycle patrol program and how these expenses can be addressed through planning and budgeting.
Abstract
Bicycle patrol programs have been seen as an inexpensive way to get officers into the field and on the street. They provide increased community contact and exhibit proactive law enforcement. However, as with many programs, hidden expenses are identified within bicycle patrol programs. This article identifies these hidden expenses and explores how they can be controlled through planning and budgeting. The initial budgeting and acquisition of the bicycles rarely causes problems. However, the first budgeting issue to arise is once the bicycles arrive and the additional equipment and accessories needed, such as racks, lights, or horns come to the management’s attention. Once the bicycles hit the streets the new issue to address is maintenance. The expenses associated with the style and number of bicycles needed, the required bicycles accessories, the storage of bicycles, equipment and tools, uniform and safety equipment, the ongoing maintenance, and the training for riders need to be planned for when proposing and outlining the costs of a program.