Hall County Sheriff's Office   A State Certified  & Nationally Accredited Agency

Specialized Bike Patrol Team

Steve Cronic, Sheriff

   8000 and Y-26 LAW ENFORCEMENT BICYCLES

All Hall County Sheriff's Office Bike Patrol Deputies have attended the 40 hour Police Level One Bicycle Training and the Hall County Sheriff's Office uses TREK Y-26  Enforcement Bikes exclusively.

Bike Patrol Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the benefits of bike patrol units?

• Bike patrols are cost effective - 10 to 15 bike officers can be fully outfitted for the cost of one patrol car. Bike officers can travel faster and farther than foot officers, and they are able to patrol areas unreachable by car.
• Bicycles give Deputies the "stealth" advantage - because they are silent. Deputies on bikes can ride right up to the scene of a crime before they are noticed.
• The Bike Patrol Unit is a great public relations tool. A Deputy on a bike is much more approachable than one in a patrol car.

How many bike patrols are there?

• City and county police agencies, military installations, colleges, universities, shopping malls, security companies, transportation, and park and wildlife departments are currently enforcing the law by bicycle.

How long is an average patrol?

• The average mileage of a police bicycle officer is somewhere between 15-25 miles a day during an eight-hour patrol shift.

When do patrols operate?

• About 85% of bike units operate a patrol at night and 50% operate year round. Only half of the units operate in the rain.
• Over half of the units schedule regular preventative maintenance and most of the maintenance is performed "in-house" by our bike patrol coordinator saving taxpayer funding.
• Three-quarters of the units require bicycle training for officers.

How much does it cost?

• The average layout of expense to fully equip one bike is about $1,200 with an annual maintenance fee of about $200.
• The average patrol car costs between $23,000 and $28,000 to purchase and has an annual maintenance fee of about $3,000 to $4,000.

Who trains officers for bike patrol?

• L.E.B.A.  (Law Enforcement Bicycle Association) Police Cyclist Course is utilized by departments nationwide. Many states have recognized the course through their state training boards. The course is necessary in today's liability conscious society and covers bicycle handling skills, night operations, bicycle maintenance, emergency maneuvers, nutrition, group riding, and other important information. Officers who are members of L.E.B.A. and have passed the National Police Cyclist Written and Road Tests are eligible for L.E.B.A.  Police Cyclist Certification.

• In addition to the L.E.B.A.  Police Cyclist Course, I.P.M.B.A. (International Police Mountain Bike Association) also offers several highly recognized and successful training courses.