PRESS RELEASE---July 15, 2013 The Great Barrington Police Department has launched a bicycle patrol for downtown business areas in Housatonic and Great Barrington. Officer Jason LaForest has been assigned to bike patrol on the evening shift (4-midnight). The purpose of using a bicycle is to allow the police greater access to areas such as the Skate Park, Riverwalk and downtown parking lots like the Taconic Parking Lot. This is a “park and ride” patrol so the bicycle can be transported on a trailer to other areas of concern. “We’ll be in downtown Housatonic around the playground area as well,” said Chief William Walsh. LaForest is an experienced bike rider and recently completed a three day certification course. His duties include enforcement of traffic, pedestrian and parking laws. “This is another one of our community policing initiatives. LaForest will focus on laws pertaining to crosswalks and jaywalking. He’ll also be stopping in to local businesses to listen to their concerns and to take appropriate actions,” said Chief Walsh. Working with Stephen Root, owner of Berkshire Bike & Board the department was able to purchase at a very reasonable price, a top of the line police mountain bike. The bicycle is marked and fully equipped , including carrying basic medical supplies.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Jul 2013 19:02:19 +0000
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