Security Forces get up close and personal with bicycle patrol

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Erik Hofmeyer
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  The 482nd Security Forces Squadron received the green light to add a permanent bicycle patrol to complement existing vehicle patrols and security measures in place to safeguard Homestead Air Reserve Base.

The program was previously in a testing phase pending Air Force Reserve Command approval. And now that it's official, funding requests will be submitted for two additional fully-equipped bikes and official attire.

Bicycle patrols aren't novel to Air Force Security Forces; some active-duty bases have utilized bicycle patrols for large-scale event such as airshows. However, this means of patrol now serves as an extra tool in aiding Security Forces members in everyday duties. Benefits include riding to walkways and unpaved areas that are unreachable in patrol cars, increased cardiovascular exercise, cuts in gasoline and vehicle mileage costs, and deterring the violation of base traffic laws, said Master Sgt. John Frank, 482nd SFS supervisor.

Members must prove they're fully prepared to engage in the sporty form of patrol before hopping on the bicycle.

The squadron required members undergo a rigorous three-day certification course graciously offered by the Miami Beach Police Department at no charge for Security Forces personnel. The MBPD also donated the Police bicycle used to jumpstart the program during the testing phase, Sergeant Frank said.

The new program also mirrors policing methods adopted by many South Florida law enforcement agencies, and it's pertinent with the base's growing populace, new tenant units and expanding operations.

"A lot of municipalities are really getting into 'community policing' that provides more interaction with police officers and the community," Sergeant Frank said. "The bicycle patrol program allows us to get off the bike and walk through buildings to better get to know the people who work here."

"We tell the guys on bike patrol to get out there and get personal," he said.