By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
LANDIS ó The Landis Police Department hopes in the near future it can successfully implement a bicycle patrol.
Police Chief Brian McCoy said there are three officers, he is one, who have been certified for the bike patrol.
His hope is that the new unit can be, “up and running by mid-summer.”
The bike patrol would go hand-in-hand with foot patrol, but an officer can move quicker on a bike than on foot, he said.
“We hope to use it as much as we can on a day-to-day basis,” McCoy said.
The patrol would mostly be used in the downtown area, around the YMCA soccer field and along the walking trails, as well as at the school events or other large community events.
The advantage is an officer can go off road, McCoy said.
“They can go in between a residence and through alleys,” he said.
The bike patrol will also allow more officer visibility among the community.
“It will allow the officer to be more interactive with the citizens. It’s an eye-catcher. It shows the public we are out there for them,” McCoy said.
The cost ranges from $250 up to several thousand and depends on the type of bicycle to the amount of equipment that is included.
The department hopes to obtain grant money to help supplement the cost.
They expect to use mountain bikes that will include blue LED lights, head and tail lights, a siren and helmet.
The bike shorts and shirt would come out the police department uniform budget, he said.
In the future, McCoy would like to have even more officers certified.
Mayor Dennis Brown said at a recent meeting he hopes the bike patrol can be implemented to patrol during the proposed community yard sale, which is being planned for July 18 in the downtown area.