Thursday, August 28, 2008
Security’s bicycle patrol program begins
 You’re likely to see security officer Giles Lovejoy wheeling around campus today as the Security Department’s bicycle patrol program officially begins. The program was the brainchild of Stephen Woodall, director of security, and Lovejoy volunteered to be USI’s first security officer on two wheels.Lovejoy researched bicycle patrol programs in other communities and sought input from the Evansville Police Department, which began its own bicycle program several years ago. The program supplements automobile and foot patrols as another avenue of contact between Security and the University community, and also has some advantages over other patrol methods. Bicycles allow access to all areas of campus – not just the roadways – with the speed of an automobile or greater. Lovejoy has found during trial runs that his response time on the bicycle is cut in half. There’s also a public relations benefit. A security officer on a bicycle is more approachable without the barrier created by an automobile. Lovejoy said he’s looking forward to strengthening relationships with students and changing their perceptions about Security. And there are the energy savings. “Security is ‘going green’ somewhat, and saving on fuel costs,” Woodall said. Given our relatively mild weather, Woodall expects that the bicycle patrol will be viable for most of the year. Though he is beginning with one bicycle, Woodall expects the program to grow. “I think we’ll find we can add more bikes in the future, and the program will be welcomed and appreciated,” he said. Lovejoy volunteered for the program because it is innovative. Plus, he acknowledged, bicycling is healthy and fun. There could be an added benefit, Woodall said. “The program may encourage more bicycling among students.” Wendy Knipe Bredhold News and Information Services wkbredhold@usi.edu 812/461-5259 |
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