Cst. Nicki Henri

The Brockville Police Service has had a bike patrol unit since 1996. Officers are equipped to ride in any weather, day or night, their equipment is designed to be funtional, practical, safe and visible. They ride bikes in the early part of their shift and then walk the downtown beat during busy late evening hours.

Brockville City parks, pathways and the waterfront have become much more accessible, allowing the Bike Patrol Officer to approach unnoticed much more easily than if they were in a police cruiser. Bike Patrol officers also find that the public finds them more approachable on a bike as opposed to being in a cruiser. Officers deal with liquor, drug offences, alarms, disturbances and many other calls, however, they are also able to handle any other calls that may be assigned to them throughout the course of their shift.

The main area of bike patrol is the South Area, but often officers are dispatched to calls throughout the City, sometimes arriving more quickly than cruisers, as they are able to avoid traffic congestion, taking shortcuts only a bike could make. Bike Patrol officers also attend many special events within the community, such as Riverfest, the Old Fashioned Picnic, Police & Community Safety Week, and many other races, walks and events going on throughout Brockville.

The Bike Patrol recently began a new summer program sponsored by the Brockville Dairy Queen, called the "Cool Treats Biking Program". The program's objective is to reinforce safe biking habits for children and youth by rewarding them for safe behaviour. Children seen by officers obeying the rules of the road such as wearing a helmet, using hand signals and riding on the right side of the road may be given a voucher for a "Cool Treat" at Dairy Queen. This program not only reinforces the rules of the road but also allows officers to have positive interaction with the children of Brockville and build a trusting relationship.

The Brockville Police Service operates two specialty bikes, a Smith and Wesson and a Gary Fisher bike, marked "Police" and equipped with lights, siren and emergency equipment. The Brockville Chamber of Commerce provided the first bike, and Leslee Imports provided another bike free of charge. Dave Jones Sports has provided free bike tune-ups since the Bike Program began to maintain our patrol and keep them on the road. This sponsorship is an invaluable partnership in keeping our Bike Patrol.