Operation Velo
Operation Velo is about giving the people of Essex great
policing by increasing police visibility through more cycle
patrols.
The operation aims to further increase community engagement and
public confidence as well as tackling crime and anti-social
behaviour.
This is the second year that an operation of this kind is being
run. The aim is to go back to traditional policing but with a
modern edge, bringing more police on bikes back to the streets of
Essex.
As this operation was such a success in 2009 and 2010 Essex Police
has decided to run it again in 2011.
This time round the
operation will run for five months from May to September.
As was the case last year, the aim of the operation is to
continue to improve engagement with the people of Essex. Increasing
bike patrols does just this.
Most
importantly bike patrols allow our officers to engage and stop
and talk with members of the public, something they couldn't do if
they were in a car.
DCC Andy BlissOperation Velo has been the brain child of Deputy Chief
Constable (DCC) Andy Bliss, a keen cyclist himself. Of the benefits
of the operation Mr Bliss said;
"Firstly the bike patrols are significant in helping to combat
crime and disorder.
"They increase police visibility, are green, inexpensive and
helping our officers keep fit is an added bonus. But most
importantly they allow our officers to engage and stop and talk
with members of the public whilst on patrol, something they
couldn't do if they were in a car."