Yakima Police Bicycle Patrol Hitting the Streets

Starting Today Yakima's downtown will see a bicycle patrol unit. Chief Dominic Rizzi is hoping the patrols will help people feel safe while in the downtown area. Two officers everyday on 10 hour shifts will cruise all over the downtown area beginning this morning. They will work closely with downtown crews to help people feel safer while walking, shopping or dining in downtown Yakima.

Chief Rizzi also says that the officers on patrol would not take away from officers on the street. He says the bike patrol officers are school resource officers who are now available because school is out for the summer. “By putting the officers on bikes or on foot it changes the whole dynamic of the area.”