CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — The Clarion Borough Police Department will now be utilizing a police bicycle to patrol the community.
(Pictured above: Jason Hollingsworth, of Clarion Bicycle, Officer Shawn Zerfoss, Suzan Hahnfeldt, and Chief William Peck III.)
The newest addition to the Clarion Borough Police Department fleet is a Cannondale Quick CX bicycle donated to the department by the Suzan Hahnfeldt State Farm Agency, with the logo on the bicycle donated by Clark Vinyl Graphics.
Hahnfeldt first discussed the idea with Officer Shawn Zerfoss before approaching Jason Hollingsworth, of Clarion Bicycle, to collaborate on what kind of bicycle would be the best for the job. Hollingsworth then put together a bicycle to suit a local police patrol.
Hahnfeldt told exploreClarion.com, “I think part of the philosophy is it puts our police officers in touch with another — maybe even a younger age group.”
“I think it’s encouraging for our younger kids to see them out. It’s another touch point so far as working with the police an knowing they’re always around,” Hahnfeldt added.
While police bicycles patrols have a long history in the U.S., they’ve fallen in and out of favor several times over the last century. Most recently, bicycle patrols have become more common following the last recession and rise in gasoline prices as a more cost-effective alternative that also brings officers in closer contact with their communities.
Officer Zerfoss concurs with the addition of the police bicycle stating that “it’s great for the community to see us out on the bike. It makes us more approachable.”
Several studies have been done on the effectiveness of police bicycle patrols, and the results may surprise many people. According to research conducted in 2007 by Professor Chris Menton of Roger Williams University, bicycle patrols resulted in more than double the amount of contact with the public in comparison to officers conducting automobile patrols, giving bicycle patrols a distinct advantage.
With the winter months approaching, Chief William Peck III said that the bicycle will not be used for regular patrols, but he plans on scheduling regular bicycle patrols beginning in the spring of next year. He noted that not all of the officers will be taking on bicycle patrols, but several have expressed interest.
“I think it definitely makes us more approachable. Officers downtown can interact with the community and pedestrians, and kids also feel more comfortable around an officer on a bike,” expressed Chief Peck.
“It allows our officers to reach out to the community and for the community to reach out to us. It opens up more lines of communication.”
Though the amount of contact made with the public is just one measure of effectiveness, police bicycle patrols offer other advantages, as well.
A published article in Police Magazine stated that bicycle patrols offer everything from stealth to a quicker response when arriving at a scene, negating the need for concerns about where to park a patrol vehicle, while also allowing an officer to quickly step off the bike rather than having to secure a vehicle.
Bicycle patrols are also noted for reducing gasoline consumption and keeping officers healthier.
According to Hahnfelt, this bicycle is just the first new addition. She plans to donate another bicycle to the department in the spring.
“It’s just my way to give back to the community,” she said.
Chief Peck said that while the Clarion Borough Police Department has received donations from community groups in the past, having a business step up and make this kind of donation is quite rare.
“I’d really like to thank Suzan and Jason for making this all come together. On behalf of the Clarion Borough Police Department and Clarion Borough, we thank them for the donation and their time on this project,” he said.
Officer Zerfoss also noted that another piece of important equipment was purchased to go with the bicycle: a helmet.
“We always encourage everyone to wear a helmet when riding a bike.”
