Local News - Mullica police use pedal power to boost presence in community

 training with Galloway Township police, and they were certified July 26. The bike patrol officers work in rotating shifts to drive around the township, park their police cars and then bike around the neighborhood.

Register said he started the bicycle unit because he wanted another crime-fighting and public relations tool. He noted that some parts of Mullica Township, especially the large housing complexes and one path by the schools, can be difficult to monitor by police car or foot. Since the program's inception, Register said he has heard several positive comments about the bike patrol and the unit made one warrant arrest in the Wharton Park development. The officers also interacted with the community Aug. 3 during National Night Out, an event that encourages a better relationship between the police and the public.

Trivelli, 44, of Mullica, and Carricarte, 33, of Stafford, said they enjoy the community-policing aspect of the bike patrol. "People feel more comfortable talking to you, and you're more accessible," Trivelli said. "When you're in a car all day, you don't hear them."

Carricarte estimated that he goes to about three different locations each shift and bikes about 10 to 15 miles per day. The officers carry small trinkets - bike reflectors, stickers and police magnets - and distribute them to younger children to help build more trust in the police. "They see us in bicycles and cars and you're the talk of the town," Carricarte said.

Cathy Dickerson, president of the Mullica Woods senior social club, said she appreciates the bicycle patrols around their adult community.

Dickerson said she and other residents have spoken to the officers and their presence "gives residents a feeling of safety." She noted the bicycles provide another method of policing and "the bad guys don't know how long they're out there."

Another Mullica resident, Joann Vitale, a retired pharmaceutical worker, said she liked seeing them in action on National Night Out and watching them "trying to build a friendly relationship between the people and the police."

In addition to providing another method of transportation to catch criminals, Vitale said the bikes can make policing better for the officers.

"It's a hard job, both physically and mentally, to ride in a car eight hours a day," Vitale said, who noted her husband, Louis, is a retired police officer. "This will give our men a chance to refresh their minds, talk to people and (have a) fresher presence. This will exercise their bodies, too, get the blood moving."

The program is supported by Mullica Township funds, a $1,300 donation from Sweetwater resident Brent Lilliston, of Lilliston Ford in Vineland and Millville, and a $200 donation from Gary Schlue of Gary's Used Cars, another local business owner, Register said.

Two of the bicycles were purchased for $650 at a discount from Pro Pedals Bike Shop in Hammonton.

Register said he donated a bicycle, the Galloway Police Department donated two used bicycles and the Egg Harbor City police loaned another bicycle. Register said the civilian donations will cover some of the bicycle costs and pay for helmets, police shirts and bicycle racks. The extra bicycles are being retained for back-up.

Register said being a part of the bicycle unit is part of the patrolmen's work and they are not getting extra pay. The police chief said he would like to expand the program to include more officers next year if there is enough funding and support.

Contact Michelle Lee:  609-272-7256  MLee@pressofac.com

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