The Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has a new bike patrol unit.
Seven officers have received training on the safe operation of two specialized police bicycles while conducting their police duties.
Bike patrol officers will focus on crime prevention, enforcement of various laws, and being highly visible throughout Northumberland County including on the trails and at parks and community events.
“Our newly purchased bicycles and the formation of a bicycle patrol in Northumberland County will allow our officers to police the towns and hamlets in the county effectively using a somewhat different approach,” says Constable Orlando Eitzen, Northumberland OPP Bike Patrol Coordinator.
“Officers on bicycles can cover areas that are not readily accessible with a cruiser. They can cover an area faster than if they walk, all the while being very visible in the community, and having the opportunity to interact with members of the communities where they work.”
The Northumberland OPP procured the two specialized police bicycles with the assistance of Sommerville’s Sporting Goods in Cobourg.
