The Township of Union Police Department Community Police/Bike Unit is a specialized division within the police department dedicated to community policing by maintaining public safety utilizing bicycles as their primary mode of transportation for patrol and community engagement.   

 

The Community Police/Bike Unit fosters a strong connection between law enforcement and the community. Officers on bikes offer more visibility with the public and are more approachable, while allowing for better interaction with the public. This helps build trust and fosters positive community engagement while improving community relations with residents and business owners within the township. The presence of officers on bikes also act as a deterrent to criminal activity. Criminals are be less likely to engage in illegal activities when they see law enforcement officers patrolling nearby on bicycles. In addition, bicycles are quiet, allowing officers to rapidly approach situations using stealth, especially in cases where noise could escalate a situation.

 

​Bicycles also provide officers with greater mobility in crowded or congested areas, narrow alleys, and pedestrian zones where traditional patrol cars might be impractical. They can quickly respond to incidents and reach locations that may be difficult to access with other types of police vehicles.

 

The use of bicycles is also eco-friendly and helps reduce the carbon footprint of the police department on the environment by providing a greener and more sustainable approach to policing.

 

The Community Police/Bike Unit, in addition to supplementing the Patrol Bureau are also deployed at special events, parades, festivals, demonstrations and other community events. They can effectively manage and monitor these gatherings, ensuring public safety. In addition, the Community Police/Bike Unit are involved in presenting several programs and talks within the community and at schools such as conducting Crime Prevention Assessments of homes and businesses, participating in Read Across America, Un-Mischief Night, Trunk or Treat, National Night Out, Coffee With A Cop, and many more.

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Community Policing: The Bike Unit fosters a strong connection between law enforcement and the community. Officers on bikes are more approachable and visible, allowing for better interaction with the public. This can help build trust and improve community relations.

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Mobility and Accessibility: Bicycles provide officers with greater mobility in crowded or congested areas, narrow alleys, and pedestrian zones where traditional patrol cars might be impractical. They can quickly respond to incidents and reach locations that would be difficult to access with other vehicles.

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Crime Deterrence: The presence of officers on bikes can act as a deterrent to criminal activity. Criminals may be less likely to engage in illegal activities when they see law enforcement officers patrolling nearby.

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Event Management: Bike units are often deployed at special events, parades, festivals, and demonstrations where crowds are expected. They can effectively manage and monitor these gatherings, ensuring public safety.

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Environmental Benefits: The use of bicycles is eco-friendly and helps reduce the carbon footprint of law enforcement agencies. It also provides an image of a greener and more sustainable approach to policing.

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Visibility and Approachability: Officers on bicycles are more approachable and can interact with the public more easily. This fosters positive community engagement and information gathering.

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Quiet and Stealth: Bicycles are quiet, which allows officers to approach situations discreetly, especially in cases where noise could escalate a situation.

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Versatility: Bike units are versatile and can be used for various law enforcement tasks, including traffic enforcement, neighborhood patrols, and responding to emergencies.

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Equipment: Officers in the Community Police/Bike Unit wear specialized uniforms and helmets designed for cycling. The bicycles are outfitted with emergency lights and a siren, as well as other essential equipment such as first aid kits, communication devices, and basic law enforcement tools. 

 

The Bike Unit is a valuable addition to a police department, allowing officers to engage with the community in a unique and effective way.