In 1996, the Moorhead Police Department recognized the need for specialized police patrol beyond normal police cruisers. It was at this time Bike Patrol Unit was formed, and began utilizing bicycle patrols as a tool to:

• Deter criminal activity.
• Provide alternate enforcement methods.
• Promote public relations.
• For the education of area youth regarding bicycle safety.

The Bike Patrol Unit is now a formal part of the Patrol division. The Bike Patrol Unit is comprised of 15 Patrol Officers and one Sergeant that are trained as Police cyclists under the International Police Mountain Biking Association guidelines. Bike Officers undergo a rigorous training program prior to being assigned to duty on a bike. Since being developed in 1996, The Bike Patrol Unit has proven to be an effective policing tool for the City of Moorhead and its citizens.

Bike Patrol is also part of the Moorhead Police Department's Community Policing Initiative. Officers find policing on bikes has enabled them to interact more closely with citizens allowing them: to be better informed as to what problems exist in a particular neighborhood to address these problems and make neighborhoods in our community safer places to live.

Bike Patrol Duties
Officers assigned to Bike Patrol perform the same duties as officers assigned to motor patrol. Officers on bikes are assigned patrol beats and answer assigned calls. Bike Patrol Officers are also assigned to work and address specific problems that may arise within the community. Bike Patrol Officers make arrests for offenses ranging from Driving While Under the Influence to felony narcotics arrests.

If you have any questions about the Moorhead Police Departments Bike Patrol Unit, or would like to schedule a bike safety presentation, please contact: Lt. Joel Scharf joel.scharf@ci.moorhead.mn.us or call 701-451-7660