Four officers in Purdue police become certified bicycle officers

Officer Trenton Young of the Purdue University Police Department completed a law enforcement cyclist course in July. (Photo provided by Purdue University Police Department) Download image

Four officers in the Purdue University Police Department (PUPD) are now certified bicycle officers.

Officers Geoffrey Carlson, William Dorsey, Matthew Williams and Trenton Young last month attended a law enforcement cyclist course hosted by the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA). Officers received training on how to safely navigate crowds and other obstacles, including stairs and curbs. In order to complete the program, they had to pass a strenuous skills test as well as a written exam.

“These officers will now be able to increase their interaction with the Purdue community by providing bicycle, scooter and other electric or motor-powered vehicle enforcement throughout campus,” said PUPD Chief John Cox. “Their new skills and knowledge will help advance the department’s mission to keep our students, faculty, staff and visitors as safe as possible.”

The police department’s bicycle program started in the early 1990s. Due to officer retirements and promotions throughout the years, the program was put on hold. Cox has recently made a push to restart the program, and this is the first new group to become certified bicycle officers.

"The growth of campus, both with enrollment and new facilities, coupled with our new multi-use paths along Third Street, Stadium Avenue and State Street makes it timely to restart the program,” Cox said. “There has also been an increased call for more education and enforcement due to the growing number of electric skateboards and scooters on campus. Our bike patrol program will help address these needs and issues.”

Three of the newly certified officers continue to work their normal shifts and patrol on bicycles when possible. One officer started patrolling by bicycle full time on Aug. 3.

Contact: Purdue Police Chief John Cox, 765-494-8221