Officers on all shifts can elect to place a bike rack with a police bike on the back of their squad car. When the officer is able, he or she can park and then ride. Officers have found it much easier to talk with people while on the bike. When people see the officers, many smile and wave. This does not routinely happen when patrolling in a squad car.
Officers are much more accessible while on the bikes.
Bike officers are encouraged to stop and talk with people who are in their yards, walking on the sidewalk, or just visiting one of many Fond du Lac neighborhood parks. The officers are also stopping by and meeting with local Neighborhood Watch block captains. Its great for both the officers and citizens to get to know each other. The Fond du Lac Police Department has 28 officers who participate in the Police Mountain Bike patrol Team. The top photo shows officer Rob Duveneck, Dave Haase of Attitude Sports and Officer Jeff Harbridge accepting the new Specialized FSR mountain bike.