MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- With the community in mind and pedals at their feet, the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Provost Marshal's Office kicked off its military police bicycle patrol training Oct. 4.
The course follows those of other Marine Corps bases that have had success with the program in the past. Currently Camp Pendleton and Camp Lejeune have active bike patrol units.
"The introductory course gave the Marines a chance to familiarize themselves with the basics of the bike and learn basic riding techniques to use in the field," said Sgt. Adrian N. Pantoja, military policeman, PMO, MCAS Miramar. "The skills the Marines are taught come from the San Diego Police Department bike patrol team."
The basic bike skills include panic stops, cone weaving, stair riding, suspect apprehension from the bike and power turning at high speeds as shown in the training manual for the bike patrol. These skills are honed throughout the five-day training course at the San Diego Police Department and during continued training at the PMO bike-training course.
"The bike-training course is an obstacle course developed to enhance the skills of the officers and is used as a final test in the program," said Pantoja.
"The main goal of the bike patrol units is to get the community more involved with the police officers," said Cpl. Kenny V. Mendez, military policeman, PMO.
According to Pantoja, the bike patrols are primarily patrolling the housing areas and making contact with the residents. This ensures people know they are there to help and protect them.
"They will be patrolling different events around MCAS Miramar and will be used more efficiently once the manpower is available," Pantoja said.
Many Marines at Miramar are preparing to deploy and a significant number of them are military police personnel. The bike training is still available for them if they have the opportunity and meet the criteria.
"The Marines who are selected for the bike patrol must meet several requirements in order to start training," said Pantoja. "They must have a first class physical fitness test, a positive attitude and must have a clean and sharp appearance."
The uniforms of the bike patrol are black shorts and blue polo shirts and reflective police vests as well as their badge and weapons belt.
The bikes are equipped with a lighting system and have a container pack connected to the rear of the seat.
As military policemen continue to uphold the law, the bike patrol will be added to ensure the safety of MCAS Miramar residents.
Miramar bike patrol hits the street
By Lance Cpl. Brandon L. Roach | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar-EMS | October 4, 2005
