Norman — Officers from 10 police departments in the state and one from Kansas gathered at the University of Oklahoma Police Department this week to improve their bicycle patrol skills.
OUPD Master Police Officer Jay Littlejohn said officers are learning slow speed handling skills and techniques that will give them better control of their bikes.
“We go over the fundamentals of bike riding,” Littlejohn said.
Littlejohn is one of the instructors teaching this week’s courses. The school began Monday and will conclude Friday.
Officers assigned to OUPD and units from Oklahoma City, Yukon, Midwest City, El Reno, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Choctaw Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department and Leawood, Kan., are participating in this week’s training.
“The majority of the school is on bike skills,” Littlejohn said.
He said bike patrol is an asset on football game day.
“They can get into heavy crowds. Patrol vehicles can’t get into interiors but bikes can,” Littlejohn said.
OUPD Officer Doug Hersey said in two days, he has picked up a few lessons he intends to use in the future. Hersey learned keys to obstacle avoidance and high-speed braking.
“It’s different from just riding a bike,” Hersey said. “Riding a bike is one thing. Riding a bike controlled is another.” He said officers have to control the bike at all times.
OUPD Master Police Officer Greg Vollmer said a bicycle is just another tool in the department’s tool box.
“They’re economical, increase physical fitness, there’s no emissions and they don’t make any noise,” Vollmer said.
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com
