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Police Directory
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Bicycle / Segway Patrol Unit
The Cheektowaga Police Department Bicycle Patrol Unit was founded in 1993 under the command of Lt. Cheryl Rucinski. It was modeled after the Seattle Police Department’s Bike Patrol, which is widely accepted as setting the standard for departments across the country. The goals of this unit are to make officers more approachable to residents and to provide an alternative patrol method for officers in certain situations. Bicycle patrol members patrol the entire town, often focusing their patrols in the town parks. They are also utilized during special events, parades, and festivals due to their increased mobility and maneuverability.
The unit presently consists of 16 specially trained officers. Officers must apply to be a part of the unit when an opening arises and must possess certain qualifications, such as a certain amount of time on the job and a high level of physical fitness. Initial training consists of a week-long certification, currently taught by the SUNY Buffalo Bicycle Patrol officers. Additionally, officers receive an annual refresher of their training, conducted in-house.
In 2008, the Department received two Segways, which were donated by the Wilson Greatbach Company. Segways are two wheeled motorized personal vehicles; which, like the bike patrol, provide an alternative form of patrol transportation for officers and make them more approachable. The bicycle patrol officers were given specialized training in the use of the Segway and it has proven a useful tool for patrolling parks, the Bike Path, and for enhancing patrol functions at festivals and parades, where crowds can hinder vehicle response.
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