SUSPECTS UNSUSPECTING OF POLICE OFFICERS ON BIKES

The comparatively benign appearance of bicycle police doesn't mean serious
suspects can expect a ride on the handlebars to the station.

All bicycle officers actually belong to the tactical team and take turns
patrolling on bikes, which gives them the jump on suspects in a foot chase
where cruisers can't go, although they'll call the cruiser for backup once
the arrest is made.

"Any arrest any officer can do in a cruiser, we've done it on a bike," says
Mike Alarie. "Drugs, breach of probation, assaults, robberies."

Police cases include a pot pit stop at Franchetto Park and the case of the
wrong suspect in the right place at the right time.

Alarie once spotted a man matching the description of a break-in suspect
last seen cycling down the railroad tracks at Edinburgh Road and Crimea Street.

He cycled up to find that while it wasn't the break-in suspect, the man was
wanted on outstanding warrants.

Ken Rodd was on patrol when he arrested a youth selling marijuana from a
pickup truck in Franchetto Park.

"They were dealing right in the middle of the park, and the truck was next
to St. James high school," recalls Rodd.

St. James's high school officer Const. Steve Collins and cruiser were on
the scene in a minute to help with the arrest and seizure of electronic
scales and $400 worth of pot packets.