A nod of the head. A smile. A firm handshake. These simple gestures can go a long way toward building a close, tight-knit community. Burleson Police Chief Tom Cowan understands the value of a personal connection between police officers and residents, and recognizes that this relationship can be nurtured more easily from the saddle of a bicycle than from the seat of a patrol car.
“We were interested in learning about Chief Cowan’s vision for expanding his department’s bicycle patrol,” said Greg Macksood, who serves the Burleson Community as a Public Affairs Coordinator for Chesapeake Energy. “Not only will an increased presence of officers on bikes strengthen the relationship between the police and the community, but it will reduce vehicle emissions and ease the department’s gasoline and maintenance costs. Protecting the environment and building community ties are high priorities for Chesapeake.”
In August, Chesapeake presented the Burleson Police Department’s Bicycle Patrol with the needed funds to purchase four Trek bikes completely outfitted to serve police officers’ needs in the field. This community gift twice doubles the current bike patrol’s two bikes in the field, and the officers who will be trained for this duty are eager to get their new “vehicles” on the road.
“There are really two dimensions to our bike patrol,” said Chief Cowan. “One is for use in special events in our downtown area and our Old Town area, such as parades. We also intend to put them in patrols. … The officers will ride through the neighborhoods and talk to people in their yards, making us more visible and more approachable to the community,” he said.
“The citizens that live in the area absolutely love this,” Chief Cowan added. “We couldn’t have done it without Chesapeake’s help. Over time, as people really begin to understand what community policing is, the interest has really grown.I really do appreciate Chesapeake’s willingness to help us and support us.”