The Valparaiso Police Department’s Bicycle Patrol Unit was implemented in the spring of 2004 with four officers. Due to great success and a strong demand from community members the team was increased to eight officers in 2007. The Bicycle Patrol Unit was implemented to focus patrols in residential neighborhoods, the downtown district and to increase communication between community members and police officers. The bicycle team has made the officers more approachable to community members. The team has also made numerous felony arrests while on patrol.
Each patrol crew has a least two bicycle team members assigned to it. The Bicycle Unit is utilized from May to October each year. Officers volunteer to become a bike officer and then must complete a specialized training program to become a team member.