As Temple Police Officer William Patterson started his second day of bike patrol training, he gripped his handlebars and said learning to patrol on two wheels is harder than it looks.

“There’s a lot to know, like how to both effectively communicate with other police officers while also riding a bike,” he said. 

Patterson was among four of Temple’s newest police officers who underwent bike patrol training this week, which is being led by Temple Police Sergeant Elijah Lewis.

“High-quality bicycle patrol training is critical in ensuring Temple University police officers are equipped with the skills needed to perform their duties safely and effectively,” Lewis said.

Lewis told the officers that bike patrols are essential to engaging with students, faculty, staff and community members. 

“Temple bike patrol officers are highly visible. They wear a distinctive yellow and blue uniform, and they’re encouraged to engage with community members as we continue to build bridges between law enforcement and those who we serve,” Lewis said.

Temple’s chief of police and vice president for public safety, Jennifer Griffin, added that while police also patrol by foot and vehicle on campus, patrolling on a bike can allow officers to travel to calls quickly. 

“Temple police utilize specialized mountain bikes to patrol, which can travel very fast and cut into alleyways or ride on the sidewalk safely. Because of our unique campus, bike patrols are essential to enhancing safety,” Griffin said. 

Training includes everything from breaking drills to weaving through tight spaces and learning how to remain balanced while scanning crowds. 

“There is no doubt that this training will help Temple police respond faster in emergencies,” Griffin said. 

After completing all training, the officers are expected to become certified on Thursday through the Law Enforcement Bicycle Association.  

“The final test will include having the officers riding from police headquarters on Main Campus through North Philadelphia and down to Kelly Drive and back,” Lewis said.

Police bike patrols are in addition to bike patrols by security officers employed by Allied Universal Security. Last year, Allied bike patrols within the university’s patrol zone increased by 25%. 

This strategic deployment enabled an increase in engagement with community members in a particular patrol area, Griffin said.

Griffin encouraged those seeking careers in law enforcement who want to join a department that  use the best training and technology available, to consider Temple by learning more here.