Mountain Bike Division
Putting police officers on bicycles is actually a very old idea that has made a strong come back in the past decade. Bike patrols were started in an attempt to find a less expensive alternative to patrolling. Bicycles were less expensive than vehicles and did not have the high maintenance cost of horses.
Putting a police officer on a bicycle has many advantages. It makes the officer more approachable by the public without the car doors and windows forming a barrier between the officer and citizen, allowing for more informal interactions. This approachability fits in well with the Macomb County Sheriff's "vision" and our commitment to community policing. The bicycle also attracts children to the deputies, which creates a learning situation for safe riding discussions.
A bicycle also has access to areas a car cannot go, such as trails, side yards, and some alleys. This broadens our patrol abilities. The bike officers also actively patrol the County parks, Fairs, Festivals, participate in parades and special events.
To be qualified for the bike unit, an officer must attend training. During this training, the officer is taught advance riding skills, defensive and offensive riding strategies and general bike maintenance. The officers currently working the bike unit come from citizens throughout the County who have volunteered to give back to their community.
The Bicycle Patrol also works with the Youth Bureau in presenting Bike Safety Education to reinforce safety skills, encourage children (and parents) to ALWAYS wear a helmet (you won't see us without ours!!!!)
We will not be taking any reserve applications for the year of 2022, as we have no vacancies. Please check back next year, if you're interested.