Hertfordshire Constabulary have taken delivery of five new e-bikes for its Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT), enabling officers to cover more miles while on duty.
The SNT team, made up of police officers and police community support officers (PCSO), will use the e-bikes to carry out regular uniformed patrols in their area. The team added they are a visible presence to prevent crime and reassure residents.
Following a successful trial of the e-bikes, SNT applied for and secured funding from Hertsmere Borough Council’s Section 106 developer’s contribution funding.
Chief Inspector for Hertsmere, Mark Bilsdon, said: “Traditionally Safer Neighbourhood Team officers carry out their patrols on foot, on a pedal bike or in a vehicle if they need to access areas far from their station. These new electric bikes enable our officers to spend less time travelling to their ‘beat’ and more time actively patrolling and engaging with the community.
“Electric bikes are also eco-friendly and cost effective compared to cars, and they enable officers to be more approachable when out and about. We are already seeing the benefits they bring to both our officers and local residents.”
During a recent shift, PCSO Graham Tippett from the Potters Bar SNT rode 37 miles on an e-bike. While PCSO Suzy Tether found residents and young people have stopped her to look at and talk to her about the bike, increasing engagement with the community.
Pervez Choudhury, Hertsmere Borough Council’s portfolio holder for community safety, added: “This is an excellent example of how developers’ funding can be invested into projects that support our local communities.
“It’s great to hear about the additional miles that the teams can cover using these new bikes, helping to ensure the police officers and PCSOs are more visible which helps the police to find out more about what is going on in our neighbourhoods but also reassures our residents.”
