Title
Code Enforcement Division, Bicycle Patrol Pilot Program (B)
This item is a presentation to the City Commission on the Code Enforcement Bicycle Patrol Pilot Program.
Explanation
At the core of successful code enforcement is the ability of officers to communicate with citizens. The Code Enforcement Division proposes that a pilot program involving two fully equipped mountain bicycles on loan from the Parks Division be implemented, allowing officers to utilize bicycles as a supplemental means of transportation during their patrol of neighborhoods, as well as during parades and game day events. If implemented this would be only the second of its kind within the state of Florida following the Broward County Community Code Compliance Divisions adoption of a neighborhood bicycle patrol program adopted in 2001. The adoption of this program would be conducive to the goal of becoming a top ten Code Enforcement Division within mid-size cities in the nation.
The use of a bicycle patrol would enhance the presence of the officers in the community by:
1. Allowing greater contact with the community.
2. Allowing a greater awareness of surroundings and the ability to observe conditions that may not be visible from a vehicle.
3. Increased public relations value.
4. Fuel savings to the city.
5. Enhance the Division's positive image as a division concerned with the preservation of natural resources.
6. Ease of access to certain areas not easily patrolled from a vehicle.
7. High visibility tool for game day activities, parades and other special events.
8. Health and morale benefits to the officers involved.
The Code Enforcement Division Bicycle Patrol Pilot Program will be implemented for 4 months and the results of the Program will be shared with the City Commission for their review and evaluation.
Fiscal Note
Two bicycles are available for loan from the Parks Division and would require the cost identifying these bikes as code enforcement vehicles, as well as the purchase of personnel safety equipment. Cost is estimated to be less than $500 and can be absorbed into the current budget. Expanding such a bicycle program to include four field ready bikes would cost an estimated $2500 and would be funded though other line item savings.
Recommendation
No action is required at this time. The Code Enforcement Division will bring back to the City Commission at a later date the results of the Bicycle Patrol Pilot Program. If the Pilot Program is successful staff will recommend to the City Commission that the Pilot Program be adopted.