The Asbury Park Police Department has recently formed a Bicycle Patrol Unit which was launched this week. The community-oriented unit will be assigned to patrol the city on a bicycle allowing for higher visibility and interaction.
Asbury Park Police Officers assigned to the unit attended a week-long Police Bicycle Patrol Training Course hosted by the Monmouth County Police Academy. Officers were instructed in safe operations, proper techniques, basic bicycle maintenance and care, nutrition, and the establishment of a fitness-training program for in-season and off-season training. Officers assigned to the unit include Vincent Gargiulo, Kevin Gutierrez, Ada Lamadrid, and Tess Martin.
“The establishment of this unit allows officers to interact with the community on a more personal level and we encourage residents to get to know our Officers,” said Sergeant Michael Casey of the Department’s Community Relations Unit, “In addition to enhanced community engagement, other benefits included allowing for faster response time and being more environmentally friendly.”
“We’re happy to see APPD increase their community presence in an effort to be more approachable,” Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn said. “When officers patrol on a bicycle they also experience the City from the point of view of a cyclist so it helps foster an understanding of the needs and traffic challenges that pedestrians and cyclists face. Creating the APPD Bicycle Patrol Unit is a step in the right direction and we hope the program is successful and can grow.”
