September 8, 1999
Garfield Township police bike patrol receives new ride
By Garret Leiva
Herald editor
Community policing in Garfield Township has reached a higher gear thanks to the addition of a new mountain bike that will be utilized around town and on the trails by the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office bicycle patrol.
Sporting a "police package" with beefed up front shock suspension and framework, the 21 speed Mongoose NX 7.7 Pro was purchased through a Dayton-Hudson/Target stores law enforcement grant.
"The grant is given out on the basis of what kind of effective impact it will have in the community. Of 13 stores that applied for the grant, Traverse City was one of only two proposals awarded," said Mike Walton, Target assets protection team leader.
Accepting the $1,140 grant during a check passing ceremony Friday at Target, Lt. Bob Woods said the Sheriff's Office newest ride will bolster the Garfield Township bicycle patrol program. Begun five years ago, the idea of putting officers on bikes instead of in patrol cars remains a street level approach to community policing.
"Often, the only time people see police officers is when they drive by in a patrol car. With this program we wanted to get back down to the grass roots of law enforcement," said Woods, who noted that Deputies Loren Lee and John Gobel patrol neighborhoods, shopping areas, subdivisions and trails as they pedal around Garfield Township.
While opportune riding days dwindle as fall fast approaches, Deputy Lee said the acquisition of a new patrol bike will immediately impact the seasonal policing program. The three year bike officer noted that getting another set of wheels on the street, or even on the trail, is a benefit for officers and the public alike.
"When you're on a bike you're right out with the public. People aren't as intimidated to approach us and talk about problems in their neighborhood," Lee said.