March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 49 F

Maryland Capitol Police rejuvenate bike patrols in Annapolis

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Bike Patrol Group2Bike patrols are back at the Annapolis Capital Complex, thanks to a partnership between Maryland Capitol Police (MCP) and Maryland National Capital Park Police (MNCPP).  Four MCP security and police officers recently completed specialized training from MNCPP and are now bike patrol certified. The bikes enable officers to cover more ground than by foot, increase their visibility in the community, and are environmentally friendly. Maryland Capitol Police is part of the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) and has detachments in Annapolis and Baltimore.

“We truly appreciate the training provided by our fellow law enforcement officers at the Maryland National Capital Park Police,” said MCP Police Chief Michael Wilson. “The bike patrols make it easier for MCP to patrol certain areas of the Annapolis Complex and help support public safety during rallies and demonstrations. The bikes also enable our officers to build relationships with members of the community by fostering a sense of accessibility.”

Lt. Rebecca Labs, Commander of the MCP Annapolis Detachment, initiated the effort to bring back the bike patrol unit after a four year hiatus as a cost-effective law enforcement and public safety tool. With a fleet of five trail bikes, the bike patrol will operate on a practical basis during the day and evening shifts. The unit includes: Sgt. Dennis Donaldson and Officer Daniel Deakins, as well as security officers Cornelius Waters, Russell Donaldson and Hugo Guevara. Sgt. Donaldson was already certified and is now qualified as a bike patrol instructor.

The two-day training included both classroom and field instruction. The officers learned the rules of the road, proper nutrition and bike maintenance, as well as operations and procedures. They also practiced maneuvering through obstacles, jumping curbs and were required to complete 30 miles on bike.

Additional bike training will be offered again in November and will include participation from MCP’s Baltimore Detachment.

“Bike patrols are consistent with DGS’ efforts to advance Governor O’Malley’s sustainability initiatives,” said DGS Secretary Alvin C. Collins. “They are a low-cost, fuel efficient way to step up our law enforcement efforts while reducing our carbon footprint and environmental impact.  At the same time, we’re keeping our officers fit and physically active.”

Bikes are just the latest form of green transportation utilized by MCP. Officers also ride three-wheeled personal transportation vehicles called T3s and in Annapolis, they drive a solar-powered transport unit.

The Annapolis Detachment provides police and security services to 19 buildings, including the Maryland State House, and 16 parking facilities within the Annapolis Capital Complex. The Baltimore Detachment provides law enforcement and security to 11 buildings and 10 parking facilities in the downtown area.

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