Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
“We’re ready!” said Tuskegee University Police Officer Justin Echols, gliding to a stop alongside Officer Alessiya Farley on new electric bikes that have been added to the university police department’s fleet of vehicles.
Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO, was present for a first-hand demonstration of the new all-terrain bikes, which feature powerful electric motors, LCD controls, and a range of pedal or motor assist options that allow officers to go nearly 30 miles per hour on a single charge.
The bike patrol is part of the university’s push to enhance safety measures on campus, while at the same time implementing a culture of community policing. Last year, two canine officers were introduced for a similar focus of community policing. All of this is in addition to the university introducing the RAVE platform for emergency notification campus wide, the TU Secure app, which provides a direct link to Tuskegee University police and all of the gate, camera and card-key access to buildings.
Echols, Farley and other members of the department recently completed a four-day Law Enforcement Bicycle Association (LEBA) course with certified instructors to master bike handling, tactical movement, and effective patrol procedures that reflect the most current law enforcement requirements. Overwhelming data shows that communities feel safer and more connected to law enforcement when officers share common, more personal space with those they serve and protect.
“Being a part of the campus community as bike riders, present and accessible out in the open air, is another way our police department continues to strengthen its relationships with the community,” said Dr. Brown. “The new bikes put our officers closer to where our students, faculty, staff and visitors are – that brings help, information and support closer, too. We will always put safety first, but that is not done without the sense of community that has always been a part of Mother Tuskegee.”
The ongoing physical exercise is another great byproduct of the new bikes. Members of the department will be riding for several hours a day with quick access to a variety of spaces all over the campus.
“We rode 55 miles in two days during training,” said Echols, who joined the department last July bringing 12 years of law enforcement experience to the university. “It was challenging and I am looking forward to using our bikes to support our campus safety.”
Officer Farley, who joined the department last June, said the training was rewarding.
“The LEBA course definitely sharpened my bike handling skills for in real-world policing situations,” said the 10-year law enforcement professional. “From slow-speed control, obstacle courses, group riding, and tactical options for a variety of situations, this experience strengthened my discipline, endurance, and readiness to serve the university through bicycle patrol.”
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