NCJ Number
173160
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 46 Issue: 4 Dated: April 1998 Pages: 59-62
Date Published
1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the history, training, and operations of the Reno Police Department's bicycle patrol unit.
Abstract
The Reno bicycle unit stemmed from the demand of the downtown businesses (largely casinos and hotels) that there be a permanent, dedicated force of police to provide a continuing law enforcement presence in the downtown area. They also wanted officers to work closely with the hotel-casinos and their own security force to develop consistent crime-control strategies. A change in the State taxation laws allowed the city to create a special tax district that would fund the creation of such a unit, but the businesses gladly paid the extra levy. The result of this legislation was the Reno Police Bike Team. Officers for the bike team were recruited from those that successfully completed a 40- hour training course done in-house. The course emphasized bike handling skills. Long distance rides tested the handling skills taught and also challenged the officers' physical endurance. One ride featured live-firing on an outdoor range. Citizen acceptance of the bike patrol was immediate. Bike officers are more approachable and accessible than officers in patrol cars, and they can cover far more territory than foot-beat officers. All members of the bike team have been trained and certified as Drug Influence Recognition Experts, because Nevada is one of the few States that outlaw being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bike officers also enforce the relatively new anti- cruising and downtown curfew ordinances. Further, the department has found that having easily accessible bike officers in the downtown area has improved the investigation of crimes that would normally be beyond the purview of a uniformed patrol officer. Several bike officers have "adopted" particular casinos and formed alliances with their security forces and surveillance teams.