Most people learn how to ride a bike as a child.
That's not the case for 13 officers who participated in an International Police Mountain Bike Association certification course at the University of Southern Mississippi June 28-July 1. Law enforcement officers from the Hattiesburg Police Department, USM Police Department, Forrest General Hospital Department of Public Safety and Moss Point Police Department were learning the necessary skills for bike patrol. The course also teaches officers safety techniques to prevent injuries while riding. The 32-hour course teaches the officers bike maintenance, road skills, types of uniforms and equipment necessary for bike patrol and safety surrounding riding. The officers also participate in two 20-mile road rides and are tested on their road skills.