Delaware County Park Police Launch Bike Patrol Unit

Released: June 10, 2022

The Delaware County Park Police has launched a new five-member bike patrol unit that will be responsible for patrolling the Delaware County Courthouse Complex in Media, as well as the Delaware County parks and trail system.

The new bike patrol unit, launched on June 8, is comprised of officers from the current ranks of the Delaware County Park Police, each of whom completed a 40-hour bike certification process sponsored by the Upper Darby Police Department.

Delaware County Interim Park Police Chief John S. Deihl noted that bike patrols provide a number of benefits over traditional squad car-based patrols. “Officers on bikes will be better able to access wooded areas and trails that officers on foot can’t cover as quickly,” said Chief Deihl. “We’re excited to have our officers out in the community and helping to ensure that our residents feels safe when visiting county facilities, parks and trails.”

In addition to patrolling the grounds in Media, the bike patrol unit will cover the County’s 14 parks, including the Rose Tree, Smedley, Glenn Providence, Upland, and Clayton parks, as well as the County’s trail systems, including the Chester Creek Trail and Darby Creek Trail. Patrols will occur on weekdays and weekends, both day and evening.

“Bike patrols have proven to be an effective method of policing and this is a great enhancement for our County’s Park Police,” said Delaware County Councilman Kevin Madden. “Council has been very supportive of this new unit and believe that improved community relations, faster officer response times, cost savings, and the environmental advantages are all a benefit to our community.”

In addition to the Courthouse Complex and parks, the bike patrol unit will provide security at County events, such as the Italian American Heritage Festival, the Juneteenth Celebration, and the Summer Concert Series.