Sheriff launches bicycle patrol in Pinal County

As the county continues to grow, methods of patrol need to evolve to increase the effectiveness and diversity that higher populations demand. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office is addressing these changes by implementing an effective tool, a bicycle patrol, in highly populated areas of the county.
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Deputies can now be seen in such areas as San Tan, Johnson Ranch, Queen Valley, Saddlebrooke and Gold Canyon. As the unit grows, other areas will be included.

“This Program is a multi-prong approach to law enforcement that allows deputies to maneuver through parking lots, streets and the desert. It allows deputies to be seen by and communicate with the general public and NOT be seen by those wishing to hide from law enforcement contact,” says Sheriff Chris Vasquez.

The Sheriff’s Office has been working very hard in conjunction with several communities and charitable organizations to outfit the bicycles and train the deputies on their use.

Pilot programs have already shown the patrol’s effectiveness in apprehending felons and taking drugs out of our communities. In a very short time the bicycle deputies have been able to produce an impressive amount of arrests, interviews, citations and warnings for such crimes as possession of narcotics, warrants, underage drinking, curfew violations and so on.

One of the best parts of patrolling on bicycles is that often the criminal or offenders never see the law enforcement contact coming. Patrolling on bicycles allows deputies to actually observe violations in progress and aid in the successful apprehension and prosecution of criminals operating in green belts, parks, street corners and business areas.

Another benefit to bike patrol is that deputies are more accessible to the public in general, who can easily approach deputies to report criminal or suspicious activities in the areas they live and work in.

Community response to the bicycle patrol has been overwhelming. Homeowner associations, block watches and private individuals have come forward with donations of equipment and monies to ensure the continued success of this pilot program, hoping to make it a permanent part of the commitment by the sheriff’s office to make area
communities safer.

If you want to get involved in bringing the patrol to your neighborhood or simply for more information on the Bicycle Patrol Unit and its function, contact Sgt. Stormy Wallace or Cpl. Kent. Ogaard of the Community Response Unit, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (520) 866-5111.