If you see some of “Alameda’s Finest” roaming our business districts on bikes—or in patrol cars—be sure to stop and say hello. They’re part of a dedicated Business Patrol launched this week by Alameda Police Department [1] (APD) to support local businesses and their patrons.
[2]These officers will work closely with store staff, loss prevention teams, and security personnel to quickly respond to in-progress incidents. They will also take proactive measures to help prevent future crimes.
But that’s not all. The APD Business Patrol also is dedicated to keeping us, the customers, safe. They’re there to ensure our safe travels to and from our local shops and restaurants and are responsible for conducting traffic enforcement in our business districts.
News of the Business Patrol was welcome to APD’s social media followers, with many “likes” and positive comments on both Facebook [3] and Instagram [4]. Comments such as “Seen in action yesterday, great job!” and “Way to go APD. Sounds like things are going in a positive direction,” dominated the Facebook feed. One commenter wrote, “Way to go APD Blue!! I’m proud to have been one.”
Some of APD’s social media followers were excited about the bikes in particular. One Instagram commenter wanted to know more, asking, “What brand of bike are these? They are awesome!” Another commenter on Facebook said he remembered APD bike patrols from back in 1992.
The reaction was 100% positive, with many people asking for the Business Patrol to include areas such as Alameda Landing and the Farmers Market, mostly to handle traffic issues.
In an update on Facebook [5], APD reported that the new Business Patrol already has been able to provide faster response times to calls for service. “In several cases, individuals in need were able to flag down officers immediately,” APD stated.
On the first day of the new patrol, “this proactive presence resulted in multiple arrests related to theft, parole violations, outstanding warrants, and narcotics offenses,” the APD report stated. “Additionally, several traffic citations were issued to motorists engaging in unsafe driving behaviors that posed a risk to those traveling in our business areas.”
APD offered thanks to local businesses “for partnering with us to help create a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone in our community.”
Wherever they travel, on bikes or in cars, the APD Business Patrol invites us to say hi “and ask for a sticker or two.” Thank you, APD!