9/18/96
EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS: PHOTO OPPORTUNITY/STORY IDEA
The Ohio University Police Department has found an easier way to patrol the campus.
Four uniformed OUPD officers began regular, full-time patrol of the Athens campus fall quarter on specially equipped bicycles.
Ted Jones, director of campus safety, said the primary focus of the bike patrol is to increase OUPD's accessibility and enforcement on campus.
"There are ways to get around with bike patrols in garages and at special events that you can't do with a car. It gives us the ability to get from point to point very quickly," Jones said.
"And it's not only a question of giving the officer more mobility, but it also brings them closer to people. It gives us the ability to talk with people if they need directions or need to report a problem."
The four bike patrol officers received 40 hours apiece of certified training in bicycle police patrol at the Centerville Police Department near Dayton. Thirteen other uniformed officers have been through four hours of training and will be available for the patrol.
The mountain bikes used by the police are equipped with the special shock absorbers and front brakes.
For more information and to schedule a photo possibility, contact Ted Jones or Mark Mathews, assistant director of campus safety, at 593-1911.