PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. -- You probably did a double-take if you noticed that some of the police officers with the Picatinny Arsenal Police Department have been patrolling around the installation on bikes rather than inside patrol cars.
No, this is not an episode of Pacific Blue, the crime drama series about a team of police officers with the Santa Monica Police Department who patrolled its beaches on bicycles.
This is Picatinny Arsenal, and the officers have recognized some benefits to the community from bike patrolling that are worthy of mention.
The Picatinny bicycle patrol unit was started by Chief Robert Frutchey as a way for the police department to become more accessible to the Picatinny Arsenal community.
Lt. Cesar Bastos had experience as an officer on bike patrol when he worked at Fort Monmouth, so he became the lead officer for the Picatinny detail under Frutchey's guidance.
According to Frutchey, this new approach makes "our officers more approachable to our (installation) residents and employees, focusing on the community relations aspect of policing."
"There are some areas on post where an officer can respond quicker on bike than in a patrol car," Frutchey added.
That observation was underscored dramatically earlier this summer, when a 911 call came from the Frog Falls Aquatic Park. A young boy needed CPR after being pulled out of the pool.
Patrolman Richard Neillands was on the bike patrolling the vicinity of the Navy Hill area when the call came in. He quickly pedaled to the pool and began CPR. The boy was revived, the quick action saving his life. All of this happened before a patrol car was able to make it up the hill.
Besides being more accessible, bikes provide a more environmentally "green" force by reducing fuel and emissions, as well as putting the brake to fuel consumption and auto maintenance costs.
No cause for concern, however, as police vehicles are not going away since they are an essential tool for law enforcement officers.
Another added benefit: biking promotes a healthier lifestyle. Frutchey said that Neillands will ride on average 30 to 50 miles per day on the bike before switching to a patrol car when nightfall arrives.
"Since we've started the program, I have lost seven pounds and another officer has lost over 20," said Sgt. Jason Moreland. "I was a bit skeptical at first. But since I've been doing it, I am glad I volunteered."
Currently, seven officers have volunteered for the bike control, with four currently certified. Two officers will attend the bike course over the next couple of weeks, and one officer will attend the course in the spring.
According to Bastos, the bike patrolling school teaches officers how to use the bike as a defensive weapon and also how to safely dismount in high pursuit. But "it also teaches the officers the basic fundamentals of everyday riding, maintenance and repairs."
"The training is a rigorous five-day course held throughout the state in various counties," Bastos said. "I received my certification from Monmouth County Police Academy and another officer through Union County Police Academy. We are sending the latest batch of our officers to the Juvenile Justice Commission Academy located in Sea Girt."
The cost of the training course is $75 per officer. The bikes, gear and accessories can cost from $400 to $1,800.
The officers use Cannondale LE1 and Perimeter Force bikes.
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