Winona Lake Police Department - Indiana

Winona Lake Police Department

	The Winona Lake Police Bicycle Patrol Unit was introduced in 1997 with the purchase of two Trek Police Bikes. At that time the program was optional for officers. Bicycle patrols were mostly conducted by reserve officers in local neighborhoods. With the inception of the Heritage Greenway Trail in 2007, the department recognized the need to create a permanent bicycle unit within the department. With the annoucement that the department was looking to give the bicycle patrol program a face lift. The department began receiving donations from area organizations. Two Trek Bontrager Police bikes were donated by the Kosciusko County Velo Cycling Club. The bikes are outfitted with emergency lights/sirens, first aid kits, and equipment allowing the officers to respond to most calls for service without the need of there patrol unit. Because police officers on mountain bikes have access to the public more easily, they play a vital role in enhancing the relationship between the Department and the Community. Officers on bikes are more approachable because officers are not merely driving by in a cruiser with the windows rolled up. The untraditional appearance of a police officer in shorts, riding a bicycle is usually enough for most people to start a conversation with the officer. The Bicycle Patrol Unit plays a crucial role in the department's Community Orientated Policing and Problem Solving philosophy. All officers are encouraged to strengthen their relationship with the community in which they serve. This is an extended service of the department that promotes a better quality of life and a safer environment for the community. Click to Enlarge Click to Enlarge During this past summer the unit has been involved with the Northern Indiana FAT & SKINNY Tire Festival, Grace College Pro Life Music Festival, Fourth of July Celebration and a visit by Governor Mitch Daniels. BIKE SAFETY Riding a bike can be fun, if you know how to stay safe. Learn how to keep safe with with games and tips from McGruff. BIKE PATROL FAQ Can officers on bicycle patrol make traffic stops and arrest? Arrest by officers on bicyclepatrol are just as valid as being stopped by a officer in a police car. Officers have cited motorist for drunk driving to speeding violations and anything in between. Can I register my bicycle with the Winona Lake Police Dept? Yes! You can bring your bicycle to the police department Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM. And have your bicycle registered at no cost. Why do the bicycles cost so much, couldn't you save money by buying a $100.00 bike instead? The old saying "You get what you pay for" really applies here. Our officers range in weight from as little as 125 pounds to over 250 pounds in full gear. Only a well built bike can hold up to the demands and maneuvers officers put them though on a daily basis. Can officers respond to calls for service? Absolutely, and they often do. If a bicycle patrol officer is within a mile of a call for service he/she can usually get there in about the same time a police car can and often times even quicker. Do we really need officers on bike patrol? Answer is a resounding YES! Bicycle patrol has been a very valuable and useful tool in law enforcement. Citizens often have very positive comments of bicycle patrol officers in their neighborhoods and on city streets. Citizens feel bicycle patrol officers are much more approachable than and officer in a police car. This gives citizens a more personal contact with the officers and the police department. For additional information please contact the Bicycle Patrol Unit
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