Summer Mobile Patrol
The Summer Mobile Patrol (SMP), which is active from May through October, is made up of the Police Bicycle Unit and the electric Side-by-Side Vehicle, allowing officers to patrol less-accessible outdoor areas during the warmer months. The Summer Mobile Patrol is designed for both community outreach and crime prevention purposes, a goal that was accomplished with high-visibility patrols in the City Centre, parks, the prairie path, and other areas as needed. 2022 Annual Report 24 In 2022, the Bicycle Unit included 18 officers who were used in conjunction with daily patrol assignments when manpower permitted, plus 4 additional officers who operated the electric side-by-side vehicle. Bicycle Officers participated in various bicycle safety events, bike rodeos, and the annual Ride of Silence bike ride. The highlight of the unit was the Elmhurst Bike Ride and Safety Day held in May.The SMP places officers in areas with high levels of pedestrian and bicycle traffic, allowing for more personal interaction with citizens. In addition to neighborhood patrols, the unit also covers parades, festivals, Public Safety Night, and special events. SMP officers patrolled these areas and events, met with citizens, and passed out promotional items. The Summer Mobile Patrol Unit logged over 109 total hours of patrol time in 2022.
