NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE. MARIE POLICE DEPARTMENT
*************************
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Department is excited to officially announce the formation of our new Police Bike Patrol Unit, a specialized unit within the department’s Patrol Division.
The Bike Patrol Unit’s objective is to provide outstanding police services and foster strong public relations with our community and visitors, using a mode of transportation that tends to be more personal and engaging in nature.
The unit’s primary focus will be the Sault Ste. Marie downtown shopping, tourist attractions, and surrounding residential areas. Bike patrol officers will handle calls-for-service, assist residents and visitors, and conduct law and ordinance enforcement within these areas. The unit will also be utilized for special events and operations (i.e. parades, runs, community events, etc.) and bicycle safety training.
The Bike Patrol Unit is comprised of four sworn police officers: Officer Daryl Meyette, Officer Jacob Driedric, Officer Tyler Nousen, and Officer Trevor Adkins.
These officers are full-time patrol officers who will typically work bike patrol in addition to and outside of their regular vehicle patrol duties.
Each of our bike patrol officers recently completed a rigorous 32-hour, Law Enforcement Bicycle Association (LEBA) certified, police mountain bike training held at the Oakland Community College.
The training consisted of approximately 40 miles of trail riding including that of a black diamond mountain bike trail, slow and fast speed drills, emergency braking, dismount techniques, defensive tactics, traffic stops, and firearms training for bicycle officers.
Grant funding was utilized to purchase two new police mountain bicycles and a bicycle-vehicle transportation rack. We wish to recognize and thank the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office and US Border Patrol for their help with procuring those items. Additional grant funding will help fund bike patrol hours.
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Department hopes that you will join us in our excitement over our new bike patrol program. We feel it will be an outstanding opportunity to promote community policing.
*************************
