DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – Members of the Dallas County Hospital District Police Department are getting back to their roots with the re-launch of a bicycle unit at Parkland Hospital.
For nearly two decades in the late 1980’s to early 2000s, DCHD bike patrol officers were a common site on the main campus. But as Parkland’s reach stretched further into the county, the need for bike patrols waned.
Police command staff made the decision earlier this year to get back to community policing.
“When an officer is in a patrol car it can sometimes be intimidating no matter how engaging the officer is,” said Captain Rick Roebuck, who oversees the patrol division which includes the bike patrol. “This is an opportunity to get out of the car and back to more interaction with those we serve.”
That interaction began April 1, when DCHD Police Officers Charles Brown and Aaron Castaneda began patrolling the new and old Parkland hospital campuses.
“We have become much more approachable,” said Officer Castaneda. “People just find it easier to talk to us when we’re on a bike as opposed to the patrol car. It’s done a wonder for morale and I believe it’s making an impact on the community we serve.”
According to Parkland, bike officers respond to all types of calls outside of the hospital’s four walls. Their bikes are equipped with red and blue lights, sirens, radios, tools in case a repair is in order, and officers don lightweight police uniforms, helmets and riding gloves.
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
Copyright 2021. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved.
