Chief wants police in cruiser, not on bike - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

06-14-2004, 10:40 AM

Monday, June 14, 2004
Chief wants police in cruiser, not on bike

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Associated Press

COLUMBUS - The police chief wants to get rid of foot, bicycle and mounted
patrols to put more officers in cruisers.

Police Chief James Jackson, who also wants to take officers out of high
schools, outlined the proposal last month in a memo to Safety Director
Mitchell Brown.

He said he has tried repeatedly to put more officers in patrol cars but
has been overruled by Brown and Mayor Michael Coleman.

"A walking officer is good within about 50 feet of where he's walking or
standing," Jackson said.

Brown said his office is evaluating whether certain units can be
eliminated, adding that the city eliminated the DARE program last year and
an anti-crime rock band in 2001 at Jackson's urging.

City Councilman Michael Mentel, chairman of the council's safety
committee, said the mounted, bicycle, high-school and foot patrols should
be retained. Mentel said they encourage more direct contact between police
and citizens.

But an expert on community policing said it's more important that police
be available promptly.

"The highest priority for any police department is adequate response to
calls for public service," said Hubert Williams, president of the Police
Foundation, a nonprofit research organization in Washington, D.C. "If you
don't have adequate resources to do that, you have to make decisions about
cutting back in other areas."

Jackson cites a consultant's 2001 recommendation that the city deploy 420
cruisers a day. The city has 337, Jackson said.

Jackson announced last month that he won't allow nonpatrol positions to be
filled because of the need for more officers in cruisers.

"We have shortages out there, no doubt about it," said Bill Capretta,
president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 9. "But not everybody
can be in a cruiser. You need support people, you need people
investigating homicides and rapes."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

06-14-2004, 04:57 PM

Hmmm. If I had put a call in for help and the nearest cop was a mile away
I'd want him in a squad car and not on a bike, too. I think anyone would.

--

- GRL

"It's good to want things."

Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
"Garrison Hilliard" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. org...
> Monday, June 14, 2004
> Chief wants police in cruiser, not on bike
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
>
>
> The Associated Press
>
>
> COLUMBUS - The police chief wants to get rid of foot, bicycle and mounted
> patrols to put more officers in cruisers.
>
> Police Chief James Jackson, who also wants to take officers out of high
> schools, outlined the proposal last month in a memo to Safety Director
> Mitchell Brown.
>
> He said he has tried repeatedly to put more officers in patrol cars but
> has been overruled by Brown and Mayor Michael Coleman.
>
> "A walking officer is good within about 50 feet of where he's walking or
> standing," Jackson said.
>
> Brown said his office is evaluating whether certain units can be
> eliminated, adding that the city eliminated the DARE program last year and
> an anti-crime rock band in 2001 at Jackson's urging.
>
> City Councilman Michael Mentel, chairman of the council's safety
> committee, said the mounted, bicycle, high-school and foot patrols should
> be retained. Mentel said they encourage more direct contact between police
> and citizens.
>
> But an expert on community policing said it's more important that police
> be available promptly.
>
> "The highest priority for any police department is adequate response to
> calls for public service," said Hubert Williams, president of the Police
> Foundation, a nonprofit research organization in Washington, D.C. "If you
> don't have adequate resources to do that, you have to make decisions about
> cutting back in other areas."
>
> Jackson cites a consultant's 2001 recommendation that the city deploy 420
> cruisers a day. The city has 337, Jackson said.
>
> Jackson announced last month that he won't allow nonpatrol positions to be
> filled because of the need for more officers in cruisers.
>
> "We have shortages out there, no doubt about it," said Bill Capretta,
> president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 9. "But not everybody
> can be in a cruiser. You need support people, you need people
> investigating homicides and rapes."
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
>

06-14-2004, 04:57 PM

Hmmm. If I had put a call in for help and the nearest cop was a mile away
I'd want him in a squad car and not on a bike, too. I think anyone would.

--

- GRL

"It's good to want things."

Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
"Garrison Hilliard" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. org...
> Monday, June 14, 2004
> Chief wants police in cruiser, not on bike
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
>
>
> The Associated Press
>
>
> COLUMBUS - The police chief wants to get rid of foot, bicycle and mounted
> patrols to put more officers in cruisers.
>
> Police Chief James Jackson, who also wants to take officers out of high
> schools, outlined the proposal last month in a memo to Safety Director
> Mitchell Brown.
>
> He said he has tried repeatedly to put more officers in patrol cars but
> has been overruled by Brown and Mayor Michael Coleman.
>
> "A walking officer is good within about 50 feet of where he's walking or
> standing," Jackson said.
>
> Brown said his office is evaluating whether certain units can be
> eliminated, adding that the city eliminated the DARE program last year and
> an anti-crime rock band in 2001 at Jackson's urging.
>
> City Councilman Michael Mentel, chairman of the council's safety
> committee, said the mounted, bicycle, high-school and foot patrols should
> be retained. Mentel said they encourage more direct contact between police
> and citizens.
>
> But an expert on community policing said it's more important that police
> be available promptly.
>
> "The highest priority for any police department is adequate response to
> calls for public service," said Hubert Williams, president of the Police
> Foundation, a nonprofit research organization in Washington, D.C. "If you
> don't have adequate resources to do that, you have to make decisions about
> cutting back in other areas."
>
> Jackson cites a consultant's 2001 recommendation that the city deploy 420
> cruisers a day. The city has 337, Jackson said.
>
> Jackson announced last month that he won't allow nonpatrol positions to be
> filled because of the need for more officers in cruisers.
>
> "We have shortages out there, no doubt about it," said Bill Capretta,
> president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 9. "But not everybody
> can be in a cruiser. You need support people, you need people
> investigating homicides and rapes."
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
>

06-14-2004, 04:57 PM

Hmmm. If I had put a call in for help and the nearest cop was a mile away
I'd want him in a squad car and not on a bike, too. I think anyone would.

--

- GRL

"It's good to want things."

Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
"Garrison Hilliard" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. org...
> Monday, June 14, 2004
> Chief wants police in cruiser, not on bike
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
>
>
> The Associated Press
>
>
> COLUMBUS - The police chief wants to get rid of foot, bicycle and mounted
> patrols to put more officers in cruisers.
>
> Police Chief James Jackson, who also wants to take officers out of high
> schools, outlined the proposal last month in a memo to Safety Director
> Mitchell Brown.
>
> He said he has tried repeatedly to put more officers in patrol cars but
> has been overruled by Brown and Mayor Michael Coleman.
>
> "A walking officer is good within about 50 feet of where he's walking or
> standing," Jackson said.
>
> Brown said his office is evaluating whether certain units can be
> eliminated, adding that the city eliminated the DARE program last year and
> an anti-crime rock band in 2001 at Jackson's urging.
>
> City Councilman Michael Mentel, chairman of the council's safety
> committee, said the mounted, bicycle, high-school and foot patrols should
> be retained. Mentel said they encourage more direct contact between police
> and citizens.
>
> But an expert on community policing said it's more important that police
> be available promptly.
>
> "The highest priority for any police department is adequate response to
> calls for public service," said Hubert Williams, president of the Police
> Foundation, a nonprofit research organization in Washington, D.C. "If you
> don't have adequate resources to do that, you have to make decisions about
> cutting back in other areas."
>
> Jackson cites a consultant's 2001 recommendation that the city deploy 420
> cruisers a day. The city has 337, Jackson said.
>
> Jackson announced last month that he won't allow nonpatrol positions to be
> filled because of the need for more officers in cruisers.
>
> "We have shortages out there, no doubt about it," said Bill Capretta,
> president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 9. "But not everybody
> can be in a cruiser. You need support people, you need people
> investigating homicides and rapes."
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
>

06-14-2004, 04:57 PM

Hmmm. If I had put a call in for help and the nearest cop was a mile away
I'd want him in a squad car and not on a bike, too. I think anyone would.

--

- GRL

"It's good to want things."

Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
"Garrison Hilliard" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. org...
> Monday, June 14, 2004
> Chief wants police in cruiser, not on bike
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
>
>
> The Associated Press
>
>
> COLUMBUS - The police chief wants to get rid of foot, bicycle and mounted
> patrols to put more officers in cruisers.
>
> Police Chief James Jackson, who also wants to take officers out of high
> schools, outlined the proposal last month in a memo to Safety Director
> Mitchell Brown.
>
> He said he has tried repeatedly to put more officers in patrol cars but
> has been overruled by Brown and Mayor Michael Coleman.
>
> "A walking officer is good within about 50 feet of where he's walking or
> standing," Jackson said.
>
> Brown said his office is evaluating whether certain units can be
> eliminated, adding that the city eliminated the DARE program last year and
> an anti-crime rock band in 2001 at Jackson's urging.
>
> City Councilman Michael Mentel, chairman of the council's safety
> committee, said the mounted, bicycle, high-school and foot patrols should
> be retained. Mentel said they encourage more direct contact between police
> and citizens.
>
> But an expert on community policing said it's more important that police
> be available promptly.
>
> "The highest priority for any police department is adequate response to
> calls for public service," said Hubert Williams, president of the Police
> Foundation, a nonprofit research organization in Washington, D.C. "If you
> don't have adequate resources to do that, you have to make decisions about
> cutting back in other areas."
>
> Jackson cites a consultant's 2001 recommendation that the city deploy 420
> cruisers a day. The city has 337, Jackson said.
>
> Jackson announced last month that he won't allow nonpatrol positions to be
> filled because of the need for more officers in cruisers.
>
> "We have shortages out there, no doubt about it," said Bill Capretta,
> president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 9. "But not everybody
> can be in a cruiser. You need support people, you need people
> investigating homicides and rapes."
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
>

06-14-2004, 04:57 PM

Hmmm. If I had put a call in for help and the nearest cop was a mile away
I'd want him in a squad car and not on a bike, too. I think anyone would.

--

- GRL

"It's good to want things."

Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
Visual Basic programmer)
"Garrison Hilliard" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. org...
> Monday, June 14, 2004
> Chief wants police in cruiser, not on bike
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
>
>
> The Associated Press
>
>
> COLUMBUS - The police chief wants to get rid of foot, bicycle and mounted
> patrols to put more officers in cruisers.
>
> Police Chief James Jackson, who also wants to take officers out of high
> schools, outlined the proposal last month in a memo to Safety Director
> Mitchell Brown.
>
> He said he has tried repeatedly to put more officers in patrol cars but
> has been overruled by Brown and Mayor Michael Coleman.
>
> "A walking officer is good within about 50 feet of where he's walking or
> standing," Jackson said.
>
> Brown said his office is evaluating whether certain units can be
> eliminated, adding that the city eliminated the DARE program last year and
> an anti-crime rock band in 2001 at Jackson's urging.
>
> City Councilman Michael Mentel, chairman of the council's safety
> committee, said the mounted, bicycle, high-school and foot patrols should
> be retained. Mentel said they encourage more direct contact between police
> and citizens.
>
> But an expert on community policing said it's more important that police
> be available promptly.
>
> "The highest priority for any police department is adequate response to
> calls for public service," said Hubert Williams, president of the Police
> Foundation, a nonprofit research organization in Washington, D.C. "If you
> don't have adequate resources to do that, you have to make decisions about
> cutting back in other areas."
>
> Jackson cites a consultant's 2001 recommendation that the city deploy 420
> cruisers a day. The city has 337, Jackson said.
>
> Jackson announced last month that he won't allow nonpatrol positions to be
> filled because of the need for more officers in cruisers.
>
> "We have shortages out there, no doubt about it," said Bill Capretta,
> president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 9. "But not everybody
> can be in a cruiser. You need support people, you need people
> investigating homicides and rapes."
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
>

06-14-2004, 05:35 PM

"GRL" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> Hmmm. If I had put a call in for help and the nearest cop was a mile away
> I'd want him in a squad car and not on a bike, too. I think anyone would.

True, but I'd also want an officer who can silently sneak up on a situation,
pursue the suspect down an alleyway and through the park, and outrun him
while toting 25 lbs of gear.

Bike mounted cops are also more personable. More neighborhood friendly. In a
car, they're more isolated from the environment and the citizens.

Some situations cars are better, some bikes are better. Sometimes horses are
better.

Pete

06-14-2004, 05:35 PM

"GRL" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> Hmmm. If I had put a call in for help and the nearest cop was a mile away
> I'd want him in a squad car and not on a bike, too. I think anyone would.

True, but I'd also want an officer who can silently sneak up on a situation,
pursue the suspect down an alleyway and through the park, and outrun him
while toting 25 lbs of gear.

Bike mounted cops are also more personable. More neighborhood friendly. In a
car, they're more isolated from the environment and the citizens.

Some situations cars are better, some bikes are better. Sometimes horses are
better.

Pete

06-14-2004, 05:35 PM

"GRL" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> Hmmm. If I had put a call in for help and the nearest cop was a mile away
> I'd want him in a squad car and not on a bike, too. I think anyone would.

True, but I'd also want an officer who can silently sneak up on a situation,
pursue the suspect down an alleyway and through the park, and outrun him
while toting 25 lbs of gear.

Bike mounted cops are also more personable. More neighborhood friendly. In a
car, they're more isolated from the environment and the citizens.

Some situations cars are better, some bikes are better. Sometimes horses are
better.

Pete

06-14-2004, 05:35 PM

"GRL" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> Hmmm. If I had put a call in for help and the nearest cop was a mile away
> I'd want him in a squad car and not on a bike, too. I think anyone would.

True, but I'd also want an officer who can silently sneak up on a situation,
pursue the suspect down an alleyway and through the park, and outrun him
while toting 25 lbs of gear.

Bike mounted cops are also more personable. More neighborhood friendly. In a
car, they're more isolated from the environment and the citizens.

Some situations cars are better, some bikes are better. Sometimes horses are
better.

Pete