NEWS RELEASE: October 9, 2008
FROM: The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: Technical Trooper Edna Buttler (785) 296-6800
Capitol Police Uniformed Bike Unit Back on Patrol
People traveling through the Capitol Complex lately have most likely noticed something new in terms of law enforcement. The Kansas Highway Patrol’s Capitol Police have once again begun utilizing the Uniformed Bicycle Patrol unit.
"I am pleased to announce the return of the bicycle unit to the Capitol area and the city of Topeka," Patrol Superintendent Colonel Terry Maple said. "Not only is a bicycle more cost-effective than a typical Patrol vehicle, but they offer citizens more approachability, as well. I think Topeka residents and State employees will be pleased with the service and protection that these units offer."
The uniformed bicycle patrol was started in 1996 under Governor Bill Graves. The unit was initially implemented to place an emphasis on community policing. However due to a budget deficit in 2004, jobs were cut and there was no longer enough manpower to continue utilizing the bike patrols. In June when Capitol Police began researching more cost effective modes of patrol, including alternative and flex-fuel cars, compact and subcompact police vehicles, and Segways, the decision to reinstitute the bicycle unit was made. The bikes offer an environmentally friendly alternative to ordinary police vehicles and can travel in areas that an ordinary cruiser cannot go. Additionally, the unit's members are more approachable when they are outside of a vehicle.
"The Uniformed Bicycle Patrol unit provides protection through their high visibility police presence in the Capitol Complex area," Captain Marc McCune, Commander of the Patrol's Capitol Police said. "Unnoticed areas in the downtown alleys and parking garages lend themselves to criminal activity, which bike officers can access in a silent, undetected manner."
There will be two former members of the bicycle patrol on the unit, in addition to seven new members. Three of the bikes used in the previous patrol's functions will be utilized by the new unit. The new members will eventually become IPMBA (International Police Mountain Bike Association) certified. The bicycle patrol began patrolling downtown Topeka and the Capitol Complex on Friday, September 26.