The Airdrie RCMP Bike Patrol Unit will be patrolling the city’s green spaces at the end of June.
The unit, comprised of Cst. Patti Reid and Cst. Rob Frizzell, will be conducting patrols on city paths, parks and throughout Airdrie neighbourhoods.
“This allows uniformed police officers to get places cars can’t,” said Frizzell.
“It is effective because most people don’t see us coming until we are on top of them.”
The unit’s mandate is to be proactive and provide a visual deterrent for criminal behaviour and to investigate aid in property related offences and disturbances in public places. The unit will work in conjunction with two Airdrie Municipal Enforcement officers who will also be patrolling the community on bikes this summer.
The bike unit will not just be punishing those doing something bad, for the second year in a row they will also be rewarding citizens for good acts.
“We are giving out positive tickets,” said Reid.
“They are a token of our appreciation for doing something positive such as helping someone across the street, wearing a helmet or dismounting (your bike) when you are crossing a road.”
The positive tickets include a coupon to a local business such as Dairy Queen for a sweet treat. The Airdrie, Crossfield and District Youth Justice Committee created the idea for the tickets.
The most common crimes the bike patrol encounters are underage drinking, drug use, and underage smoking. One of their biggest complaints is people going through vehicles. They also deal with a number of noise complaints.
“We want to emphasize that although we will enforce the law, we would like this to be more preventative,” said Reid.
“We would like to be out there talking to the youth and staying in contact with them throughout the summer. This is our way of getting involved with the community”
The Bike Patrol Unit will be attending many of the community events throughout the summer months including the Canada Day parade.
The unit has a full time program for three consecutive years, from June to September.
If you are a business owner who is interested in donating to the positive ticket campaign, call 403-703-5842.
