The bikes will replace other police bikes that are being “retired” after more than 10 years of service. Waynesville Police Chief Gary Copeland said the police had been in need of new bikes for the past couple of years but had been unable to purchase new ones because of the village’s financial problems.
“Having bicycles allows us a different kind of patrolling capability that bridges the gap between foot patrol and patrol cars,” said Copeland, who added that bike patrol programs are one of the fastest growing trends to effectively and efficiently patrol streets.
“Having officers on bikes makes them more accessible to the community and allows us to more effectively patrol popular events that draw big crowds like the Sauerkraut festival,” Copeland said.
Copeland said Waynesville’s police department has three certified bike officers and they were looking to add more officers able to “man the pedals.”
Keith Argabright, National Bank and Trust senior vice president of retail banking, said the bank was proud to be able to assist with protecting and serving the community.
“These bicycles are an important component of Chief Copeland’s plan to have officers visible and accessible,” Argabright said. “National Bank and Trust is pleased to partner with the Waynesville community and police department. Community policing is about know the community and being accessible to all citizens.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.
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