Electric power a boost for neighbourhood officers

Avon and Somerset Constabulary has invested in electric bikes to increase the visibility of its neighbourhood officers. The force says it means officers on larger beats in South Gloucestershire can still can take to two wheels and patrol effectively. Neighbourhood Inspector Clive Summerill said: “Beat managers and police community support officers (PCSOs) in our towns already patrol on foot or bicycle. In some of our more rural beats that’s been more difficult. “Four beats now have electric bikes, which will enable them to get around more effectively than pedal power alone while being more visible and accessible than patrolling by car. “As well as making the officers more accessible to their communities, patrolling by bike will help us reduce our car use, helping us to play our part in saving the planet as well as cutting costs.” Officers in Charfield, Cadbury Heath and Oldland, Chipping Sodbury and Cotswold Edge and Winterbourne now have the new bikes.