The Asbury Park Police Department is scheduled to launch the Bicycle Patrol Unit for the summer season Mon., July 3.
The community-oriented unit will be assigned to patrol the city on 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 for the 2023 summer season include Kevin Gutierrez, James Hand, Alexander Mabe and Tess Martin.
“Bicycle patrol allows our officers to engage on a more personal level with the Asbury Park community,” Lt. Lorenzo Pettwayd of the Department’s Community Relations Unit said.“Residents are more likely to approach an officer on a bike versus in a patrol car and this approachability can help in build trust with citizens while allowing officers to quickly and efficiently patrol.”
“We’re pleased APPD has increased their community presence with the Bicycle Patrol Unit and is bringing it back for the third year,” Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn said. “Residents have been receptive to the environmentally-friendly program which allows for faster response time and fosters an understanding of the needs and challenges faced by pedestrians and cyclists.”
For more information on Asbury Park Police Department, visit www.asburyparkpolice.org.
For more information on the City of Asbury Park, visit www.cityofasburypark.com.
