History
The Western New England College Department of Public Safety Bicycle Patrol Unit was created in February of 1994 by Sergeant Michael Holhut. The unit was the second Police Bike Patrol Unit in Western Massachusetts. The original unit had a compliment of five officers and two patrol bicycles. There are currently 10 officers serving with the unit and they can operate in all weather conditions, 24 hours a day. The bike unit is currently managed by Sergeant David Angers. Sergeant Michael Purcell is the unit's mechanic and services the nine police mountain bikes and four student patrol bikes. The police officers that serve with the unit are fully equipped to respond to any situation on campus. In some situations, the use of mountain bikes enables officers to respond to emergencies more rapidly than cruisers. Their ability to go virtually anywhere on campus makes the Bicycle Patrol Unit a valuable part of the Department of Public Safety.Sergeant David Angers, Bike Unit Coordinator
Roster
- Chief Adam Woodrow
- Lt. James Jerome
- Lt. Michael Purcell
- Sergeant Dan Donohue
- Officer Eugene Maheu
- Officer Nicholas Matthess
- Officer James Trasatti
- Officer Monica Viegas
- Officer Todd Mongeon
Training
Each officer serving with the Bicycle Patrol Unit must complete extensive formal training in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Department of Public Safety. Officers attend the International Police Mountain Bike Association Basic Police Cyclist certification program. The course involves educational and practical instruction on the operation of mountain bikes, fitness, nutrition, techniques, and application of community policing strategies.
Equipment
The Bicycle Patrol Unit has seven Police Mountain Bikes. Each officer is assigned to, and is responsible for all minor maintenance and repairs to their bikes.Patrol bicycles are constantly and meticulously maintained. The bikes are cleaned and adjusted on a regular basis. Parts are replaced or upgraded when they are needed. The patrol bikes have 21, 24 or 27 speed shifters. They are also equipped with a trunk bags for carrying equipment, cycle computers, and lights for night operations. All police bikes are full suspension, having suspension mechanisms for the front and rear wheels.
Uniforms
Each police cyclist is issued uniforms that are designed for use by police officers on mountain bikes. As well as wearing necessary protective gear, such as a helmet, gloves, and eye wear, each officer is issued short sleeve Coolmax uniform shirts and bike patrol shorts for riding in warm weather. For cold weather operations, officers are issued weather resistant jackets with a zip-out liner, full BDU pants, and insulated gloves. The uniforms allow the unit to operate 365 days a year, in all elements of weather if necessary.
Community Policing
Because police officers on mountain bikes have access to the public more easily, they play a vital role in enhancing the relationship between the Department of Public Safety and the College community. Officers on bikes are more approachable because officers are not merely driving by in a cruiser with the windows rolled up. The untraditional appearance of a police officer in shorts, riding a bicycle is usually enough for most people to start a conversation with the officer.
The interaction between the police and the community on this level has become necessary for the Department of Public Safety. The Bicycle Patrol Unit plays a crucial role in the departments community oriented policing and problem solving philosophy. All officers are encournaged to strengthen their relationship with the community in which they serve. This is an extended service of the department that promotes a better quality of life and a safer environment through solving problems within the community.
