THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 2, 1996 TAG: 9608020494
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 28 lines
They dashed one by one out of their new headquarters on bike and circled the parking lot.
They are the First Red Sector Bicycle Patrol Unit, relocated Thursday to The Shoppes at Military Circle across from Morrison's Cafeteria.
The move of the 11-member bicycle unit from the Police Operations Center on Virginia Beach Boulevard was made to reinforce the unit's presence within the community and add emphasis to safety in the Military Highway corridor.
The bike patrol is helping police move from being not only community-oriented but community-based, Police Chief Melvin C. High said.
``It is a clear advantage to use this patrol around our business community,'' High said.
Their new home is in 680 square feet of office space, donated to the city by Military Circle. The unit will patrol the city from Newtown Road to Berkley. ``This is a perfect example of the municipality and the community together,'' said Rick Polley, vice president and general manager of Military Circle mall.
Bicycle patrols in Norfolk began in October 1990. There are 55 bike officers patrolling the city daily.
KEYWORDS: NORFOLK POLICE DEPARTMENT BICYCLE PATROL by CNB