These officers utilize bicycles for transportation in order to be accessible to the citizens and visitors in Anderson in an attempt to be proactive, thus concentrating more heavily than traditional officers on preserving the peace and preventing crime. Bicycle Officers participate each year providing additional police protection during downtown events such as the Soiree, Spooktacular and other events sponsored downtown by the City of Anderson. Officers also patrol on bicycles during Freedom Weekend Aloft at the Anderson Civic Center. Bicycle Officers also participate in Red Ribbon Walk, ASAP Day (Anderson Student Awareness Day), Safe Kids Coalition and Safe Communities Events. All Community Patrol Officers work closely with the community and attend community group meetings discussing concerns of residents.
A special project that Community Patrol officers participate in each year is Special Olympics. The bicycle officers lead the Special Olympics Torch Run and participate with the athletes during the Special Olympics at Westside High School. Anderson Police Officers also participate each year in "Cops and Lobsters" at Red Lobster restaurant in Anderson. Officers wait tables during the lunch and dinner meals by raising money through the collection of "tips" that are used specifically for athletes in Anderson County. Participating with Special Populations and Special Olympics is one event that all Anderson Police Officers look forward to each year.
The Community Patrol Division spearheads the Buck A Cup program each year by organizing this event and distributing Buck A Cup buttons to all police officers. All monies raised go to Easter Seals of Anderson.
Police Bike Officers are available to come to your school or community group to discuss the bicycle program and how community oriented policing (COPS) affects the community and residents of all neighborhoods within the City of Anderson.
If you would like to schedule a community event or would like more information about the Bike Patrol, Community Patrol Division, please contact Sgt. Allen Hammond at 864-231-1721.