Police bike patrols return to Aberdeen

The Aberdeen Police Department and the Harford County Municipal Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 128 collaborated to buy four new Smith and Wesson police mountain patrol bicycles for city police. The FOP offered to purchase two bicycles if the police department matched its purchase.

All members of the bicycle patrol group are trained and certified by the International Police Mountain Bike Association. They are patrolling on all shifts and can be seen throughout the city. Officers on bike patrol handle a variety of calls for service and enforce all local and state laws while their high visibility provides for a safer environment.

The purchase of the bicycles and the implementation of a bicycle patrol program by Officer Jason Neidig enhances the department's ability to provide law enforcement services under a community policing philosophy where there is direct interaction with the community. Bicycle patrols allow officers to interact with community members. Officers on bicycle patrols can cover areas that are not easily accessible by foot or vehicle patrols and have the mobility to approach suspects effectively and on some occasions unnoticed.

Bicycle patrols are regarded as an efficient and effective alternative to traditional police patrol tactics and in tough economic times they have the added benefit of being inexpensive to operate. For more information on the bike patrol unit contact Officer Jason Neidig, 410-272-2121.