Fort Worth Police Bike Support Group

l Unit then evolved into the city's Bike Patrol Unit, one of the first units established in Texas. The unit started out with nine officers and bicycles. Some of the original bicycles were purchased new and some were appropriated through the auto pound. The uniform consisted of the regular police polyester uniform shirt, which was extremely hot and uncomfortable in the summer, a pair of BDU shorts, and black athletic shoes. Today's unit has grown to include 20+ officers and bicycles, and a unique bike-specific uniform more suited to the duties involved and more conducive to the Texas heat. All of the bicycles in use today where purchased new and are Trek mountain bicycles made with a police specific package. The mission of the unit is clear, to deter criminal activity and increase the public's perception of safety within the downtown area. This is accomplished through high visibility police presence, the response to all calls for service in the downtown area, maintaining a sound public relations program within the community and the continuance of public crime prevention education. In addition, the goals of the Bicycle Patrol Unit are to address crimes in target areas in a pro-active manner and also present these officers in a professional, positive manner providing positive citizen contacts and promoting positive police public relations. The bike patrol also consists of neighborhood patrol officers (NPO) that have an option of performing their duties in a police patrol vehicle or on a bicycle. The NPO's typically carry a bicycle on the back of their patrol vehicle, which gives them the ability to ride the bicycle at will. The NPO's have discovered the bicycles enable to Officers to have more personal interaction with the citizens in the neighborhoods and of course the obvious, the bike riding contributes to the Officer's fitness.