Bike Patrol

Oskaloosa has had a bike patrol unit for the past seventeen years. Officers assigned as police cyclists are required to successfully complete a course of instruction as prescribed by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). A two-year commitment is required of officers who are selected as bike officers. Currently there are three officers assigned to ride specially outfitted bicycles during the evening hours each summer when the majority of citizens are out enjoying the great weather. While Bike Officers are available to work the same types of calls as those assigned to patrol vehicles, they also focus on areas that are difficult or impractical for marked vehicles. Schools, parks, and the mall were areas that the Bike Patrol focused extra attention in previous years. These areas have high concentrations of pedestrians and youth and the bikes allow greater mobility and flexibility in patrolling as well as providing an avenue for increased contact between the police and citizens.

Bike officers are also accessible to citizens sitting on the front porch, mowing the lawn or taking a leisurely walk around the block. This interaction between officers and citizens give those whose only contact with the department is through their conversations with these officers, a chance to express opinions about happenings in their neighborhoods including any suspicious activity they have noticed. To contact Officer Gary Kutcher who served as the Department's Certified Bike Instructor or Bike Officers Matt Montavon or Brad Nicholson call (641)-673-3201 .