47th SFS implements bike patrols on Laughlin

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  What roams around on two wheels, both night and day with the capability and mission to protect the community?

The 47th Security Forces Squadron has implemented new bicycle patrols that have members doing routine patrol rounds using bicycles while continuing to use normal police vehicles.

"Bike patrols were implemented as a means to assist in community policing initiatives and further our community interaction," said Staff Sgt. Bryan Garcia, 47th SFS patrolman. "It is easier to talk to an officer on a bike than one in the car. It's something the local community can relate to that brings us closer."

While building good rapport is key, the bike patrols are held to the highest standards while adding another weapon to the force's arsenal.

"Bike patrols are held to the same standards that traditional patrols are, to include responding to calls and performing traffic stops," Sergeant Garcia said. "One advantage to utilizing bikes is we are not restricted to utilizing road ways. The manner in which we can respond is greatly enhanced and the sector we can cover is widened."

Airman Justin O'Brien, 47th SFS patrolman, noted that it adds a different approach to conventional law enforcement methods.

"It also allows for the patrol's senses to become more acute, resulting in a more effective patrolman," he said.

While the new patrols have their upside to better security measures, they also have an upside when it comes to saving the government money.

"It was not a primary reason for bike patrols; however, the utilization of bike patrols do save approximately $20,000 annually in fuel savings," Sergeant Garcia said.

Even though saving money was just a plus when it came to enhancing security, the SFS members here know that the community face time is key.

"It allows us the opportunity to implement more bicycle and pedestrian safety programs for kids on base," Airman O'Brien said. "The concept of community policing is undoubtedly the leading benefit to bike patrols."