I've been back on my bikes pretty regularly in the past few years, and this year I am participating in the Lincoln Bike Challenge, part of the National Bike Challenge. Several other police officers and firefighters are doing likewise. There has been a thread on the Lincoln Bike Challenge site about cops-on-bikes-and-trails, and since I have a bit of an online presence, I figured I ought to weigh in. I imagine some of the readers are wondering if that is really me.
The thread concerned safety on the City's trail network, after a couple people saw uniformed police officers on the Mo-Pac (on a bicycle) and on the Antelope Valley (on a motorcycle) trails. I like the fact that an officer may occasionally dip onto a trail. It's part of the beat, and sees a lot of activity. I also noted that off-duty police officers are trail users too. This case from the weekend is a good example of how that helps protect citizens. This is probably the same officer that the person who commented on the Lincoln Bike Challenge saw on the Mo-Pac when she was on duty in uniform, but the arrest was made on her commute home at the end of her shift on Saturday.
In thousands of miles on foot and bike over four decades, I've never personally encountered any significant trouble on our trails. I can't say the same thing about the streets. Still, Lincoln's trails--though relatively safe--get lots of use, and anywhere you have human beings you will always have that tiny percentage....
Monday, June 17, 2013
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7 comments:
Funny how officer's are expected to act in official capacity yet aren't allowed to use issued equipment to work off duty.
8:14,
That's untrue. While City equipment may not be used for off duty work that does not serve a public interest, most approved off duty work serves a public, as well as private, interest. The use of equipment such as uniforms, radios, firearms, and other such personally-issued gear is routinely approved in such cases. The rules are published in General Order 1460 II.B.5.
Director,
That reminds me that while General Orders used to be easily accessible on the LPD web site, they seem to be far less accessible now, or at least they were last time I checked. If the GOs are still hard (or impossible) for the general public to find, then it's no wonder that 8:14 had to make an assumption about what is and isn't allowed regarding issued equipment.
I wish I had been the one to see the guy 'hanging out' with the kids. I would have had a little surprise for him.
I agree with your point that the trails are being used by thousands of people around Lincoln with such an extensive trail system. The LPD motor unit has been riding those trails periodically to help keep the 'waggers' robbers and other crimes down to a minimum. However, last week the traffic Sgt. received ONE complaint of the motors riding the trails and the motor unit has since been banned from the trails unless there looking for a lost child or other call for service. Your thoughts Chief?
I think it's okay on occasion when there is a purpose. I'd prefer an officer on a bicycle for more regular visits.
I think it's okay on occasion when there is a purpose. I'd prefer an officer on a bicycle for more regular visits.
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