Off-Road Patrol Tactics for Park Law Enforcement Justin Laps Captain, Stark County Park District
Stark Parks In 1988 Stark Parks consisted of 400 acres and 5 miles of trail Currently we manage 100+ miles of hiking / biking trails 31 miles of equestrian trails 14 parks including 25 miles of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail 8,000+ acres of land including 2,800 acres open to public hunting and 1,200 acres of water
SCPD Ranger Department 13 full-time rangers Three primary patrol zones East, west and center Primary patrol units focus on patrolling the 14 parks and major trailheads along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Off-road patrol units Rangers specially trained to conduct off-road patrols utilizing a variety of different vehicles Responsible for patrolling trails, remote areas and public hunting areas
Why the need for different tactics offroad? How often do you get past the trailhead on patrol? Public relations Significantly increase face-to-face public contact Increased intelligence regarding park use and activity High visibility Proactive patrol Crime deterrent Officers are more approachable How far do you want your shift units away from their patrol vehicles?
Violations Encountered by our off-road patrols Illegal off-road vehicle usage Illegal equestrian usage Poaching activity Clandestine methamphetamine labs Marijuana grow operations Dumping / littering Vandalism Natural resource crimes
Off-Road Patrol Vehicles Bicycles ATVs Low comparative startup costs Wide variety of training programs available Access to most remote areas Easy to transport Access to nearly all areas Ability to carry required equipment Ability to patrol a large area in a short amount of time
Bicycle Patrol Stark Parks Bicycle Program Started in 1998 Initially 4 rangers trained Currently we have 7 rangers certified as police cyclists Equipment We utilize two different bicycles Cannondale Enforcement 29-2 $899 Montague Paratrooper $849
Bicycle Patrol Equipment Consider buying or replacing fleet with 29ers Better momentum, meaning more progress for less effort Larger tire contact area, giving better traction and control Enhanced stability at all riding speeds Good for officers over 5 06 Additional equipment considerations Headlight / tail light Siren Equipment bag Protective equipment Helmet Gloves Eyewear
Bicycle Patrol Transporting Truck Bike rack Uniforms Lightweight and breathable Should be distinguishable as an officer Consider external vest carriers We currently utilize: Blauer Softshell Jackets Blauer B.Cool Polos 5.11 Pants / shorts MOLLE external vest carriers
Bicycle Patrol Training Failing to train opens department to liability External training IPMBA (International Police Mountain Bike Association) Police Cyclist Course Emergency Vehicle Operations for bike officers with patrol procedures, tactics, night operations, scenarios, and basic bike maintenance and on-the-road repairs. Off-road riding and bike-specific live-fire exercises are also included. $300-400 per person 5 days Internal Training We currently utilize a internal training program 3 days taught by senior bike patrol officers Specific to park law enforcement (off-road, mountain bike trail conditions)
Bicycle Patrol Maintenance Your bicycles will break down Spare parts Tubes Tires Brake cables/pads Train officers to do routine maintenance Certify an officer as a bicycle mechanic to conduct major repairs in-house Consider contracting with a local bicycle specialty retailer for yearly maintenance overhauls or major repairs
ATV Patrol Stark Parks ATV patrol program Started in 2014 Initially 5 Rangers Trained Equipment All-wheel drive ATV Honda FourTrax Rancher - $5600 Fuel injected Cargo racks Additional manufactures Polaris Sportsman 400 - $5999 Suzuki Kingquad 400 - $6799 Yamaha Kodiak 700 - $6999
ATV Patrol Additional equipment Lights Siren Equipment storage Heated hand grips
ATV Patrol Training ATV rider course ATV Safety Institute Free with the purchase of a new ATV Small fee for other participants 6-8 hours Internal training ATV Safety Institute online course 2 to 3 hours 8 hours of park specific ATV training conducted by senior staff Deployment Secondary patrol only Trailer Truck transport Central starting point with multiple officer team 12 month availability
ATV Patrol Uniform Summer Same as motorcycle Winter Blauer Tacshell waterproof, windproof jacket with soft-shell fleece liner North Face insulated, waterproof snow pants Insulated headgear Full face helmets Maintenance Bluetooth communications A fuel injected engine is better in the winter Oil changes Significantly less maintenance than a motorcycle
Implementing a Dedicated Off-Road Patrol Unit Proposal Administration needs to buy into the program Selling points Vast increase in patrol coverage Fuel savings if replacing a patrol vehicle zone (approx. 60% per shift) Increased public contact High visibility Good PR Proactive policing Search and rescue Crime reduction Overall 25 percent decrease in complaints from trail users from 2000-present Overall 40 percent decrease in illegal off-road vehicle complaints
Implementing a Dedicated Off-Road Patrol Unit Do you have the required staff? Can a normal patrol officer utilize off-road vehicles for patrol during their shift? Do additional staff need to be hired to effectively patrol remote areas of the park? Can you use creative methods to increase your available workforce? Comp time Overtime Reserve officers Stark Park s Minimum required officers for each method of patrol ATV 1 person Motorcycle 1 person Bicycle 2 person team
Implementing a Dedicated Off-Road Patrol Unit Funding General fund Strong administration support Asset seizure Forfeited equipment Forfeited money Community support Bicycle groups Trail conservation groups Civic groups Corporate sponsorship Grants
Implementing a Dedicated Off-Road Patrol Unit Personnel Selection 10 hour shifts 20-40 miles per shift Ability to self-initiate calls Initial increase arrest/citation/warning statistics Community oriented Officer s desire to be on off-road patrol