The ECPD has used Bicycle Patrol since 1998. The Bicycles are a great way to patrol areas that are difficult to access with a regular patrol car such as the El Cerrito Plaza, the Ohlone Greenway, and the parks.
The Bicycles put officers in closer contact with the community members. The Bicycle Patrol assignment is an ancillary duty of our personnel. None are currently assigned to it full-time. However, as staff levels and weather permit, one or two officers ride on a given day. The times of operation vary. Sometimes they ride during daylight and hours of darkness.
The Bicycles are an alternative means of patrolling to which many criminals are not accustomed. Bicycle Patrol officers have been known to intervene in crimes in progress because the suspects did not see them coming as they often do with regular patrol cars.
The ECPD takes great pride in the program. We are certified by the California Peace Officers Standards & Training to conduct training for our personnel as well as those of other CA agencies. We currently have 30 sworn, from the ranks of Reserve, Officer, Corporal, Sergeant and Lieutenant that have been through the physically demanding 24-hour Bicycle Patrol course. All personnel are encouraged to complete the training.
Every year the ECPD puts on the only POST approved Bicycle Patrol Update training in the Bay Area. All Bicycle Patrol qualified personnel go through this 4-hour course to hone their riding skills. This year we have also implemented a modified Bicycle Patrol training program for our Explorers. While not able to ride on regular patrol; they can be seen riding with Police Officers on special occasions such as parades and community events.
The Department has two POST certified Bicycle Patrol instructors. To date the ECPD has also trained agency personnel from the following agencies: Albany PD, Danville PD, Hercules PD, Piedmont PD, Richmond PD, San Ramon PD, Napa State Hospital PD, Belvedere PD, and the Clayton PD. Our courses are in such high demand that we maintain a waiting list for other law enforcement agencies who want to send their personnel to this training.
The benefits of the program include:
- Increased Community contact
- High apprehension rates
- Increased fitness levels for personnel
- Environmental benefits
View the Bike Patrol Training slideshow
SPECIAL THANKS
Thank you to the individuals and businesses who support the Bike Patrol Program, including:
2008 Summary
On March 2, 2009, Sergeant Shawn Maples and Corp. Albrandt made a presentation to the El Cerrito City Council highlighting accomplishments of the Bicycle Patrol Program in 2008. You can watch a video of the presentation online: Simply go to Streaming Media Archive then jump to Item 4C.
FAQs
Why do police officers need to be trained to ride a bicycle?
This can be compared as why do police officers who already have drivers licenses need driver training in the police academy. The riding style is very different from recreational riding. Our officers are trained to use the bicycles for tasks most people don’t do on their bicycles. We also have to ensure that know how to be safe to avoid becoming injured.
Do Bicycle Officers have to buy their own bicycles?
No. The ECPD provides bicycles and all safety gear for its personnel. The bicycles are all equipped with emergency lights and even sirens as the California Vehicle Code requires for law enforcement bicycles.
For more information about the El Cerrito Police Department Bicycle Patrol Program, contact
Sgt. Shawn Maples
10900 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Telephone: (510) 215-4400
Fax: (510) 235-6618
E-mail: smaples@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
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