Bicycle Patrol Unit

The Evansville Police Department presently has thirty-six certified bicycle officers.  These officers serve within various units throughout the department.  The department initially began using bicycles in 2003 with the creation of the Bicycle Patrol Unit, certifying two officers.  The department immediately recognized that the bicycle officers had an impact on crime as well as improving police/ community relationships.

To be qualified for bicycle patrol duty, an officer must attend an intensive five-day training course. During this training the officer is taught advanced riding skills, defensive and offensive riding strategies and general bike maintenance.  The officers receive their training through the Law Enforcement Bicycle Association (L.E.B.A.).  We have a certified L.E.B.A. instructor that conducts the department’s training.  The department currently maintains seven specially equipped Trek patrol bikes.

The department has found that utilizing bicycle officers has many advantages. They interact with citizens to provide a sense of security, a source of information, and a visible presence.  It makes the officer more approachable to the public, which solidifies the Evansville Police Department’s commitment to community policing by working in partnership with the community we serve.

The bicycle officers are used in a variety of settings and situations.  They are heavily used during large events and festivals including the Freedom Festival and the Fall Festival. Bicycle officers are especially useful in negotiating the thick pedestrian traffic at these events and details. They are also used to patrol the numerous parks throughout the city as well as the Pigeon Creek Greenway.