Pedal power boosts police ranks

Geraldton police will be fighting crime with pedal-power with the addition of a new bicycle patrol.

The initiative is part of a regional growth program in which Mid West police numbers increase in a bid to tackle crime more effectively across the district.

Three sergeants, 11 constables and a forensic officer will join the team at the Geraldton headquarters this month.

Mid West Gascoyne District Superintendent Mike Bell said the growth program would increase police presence in the region.

“There are 15 officers currently in the program and we’ll see a total of 26 in Geraldton by the end of the year,” he said.

“This will obviously increase our capacity to respond.

“As a result of that increased capacity we’re now introducing bike patrols in the CBD foreshore and other known hotspots to tackle antisocial behaviour and violent crime.”

After the success of bicycle patrols in metropolitan areas nationwide, Supt Bell said the new addition would give local police more reach.

“They’re able to rapidly deploy across urban areas through footpaths and parks,” Supt Bell said.

“They’re not as visible as a police vehicle so they can be more covert and they can engage with people out in public spaces more easily.

“Overall the growth program will allow us to be more proactive and run more operations.

“As a result there will be higher visibility, higher police presence and more proactive operations.”