Fair Lawn Police Department 
Bicycle Patrol Page
     The Fair Lawn Police Department’s Bicycle Unit is made up of 15 officers. These officers volunteered for this unit, have successfully completed a 40-hour bicycle-patrol instruction course, and are nationally certified bicycle-patrol officers.
        The officers have access to the department’s 3 patrol bicycles when on duty. The bikes, which are 1996 Diamond Back Apex SE 21-speed mountain bikes, and the related equipment, cost around $1,100.00 each. The entire start-up costs and training has been paid for by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Confiscated Drug Funds.
     Bicycle patrol, in addition to other types of patrol, has emerged as an effective way to patrol today’s communities.  It allows and officer to cover more ground and at the same time provides less of a barrier than a vehicle for improving community relations. In addition, the bicycles allow officers to get into areas that normally are not easily accessible by patrol vehicles, and allows the officers to "sneak-up" on the bad guys. The bicycle unit works in predetermined areas of the borough, and at special events. The availability and use of this type of patrol is dependant upon the bicycle officers schedules, the necessity of motorized patrol, and of course, the weather.

     Since 1996, our bicycle patrol rode over 3,000 miles, and made arrests involving drugs, burglary, and shoplifting. They also conducted presentations to over 1,000 children at summer camp about the importance of wearing a helmet when riding and other bicycle safety issues. Click here for information on bicycle safety.
     The Fair Lawn Bicycle Unit consists of the following officers:

Chief Erik Rose,

Captain Joseph Cook,

Lieutenants William Yirce, Robert Kneer, and Glen Cauwels

Sergeants Richard Schultz, Michael Uttel, and Ronald Patterson

Patrol Officers Glen Callons, Louis Failla, Lonnie Mergler, James Krizek, Joseph Mecionis, and Paul Donohue


   Feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. The bicycle is more approachable than a patrol car and the public feels that the police officers are more accessible. Look for the bicycle patrol in your neighborhood, and don't be afraid to say hello!       

Register your bike with the Fair Lawn Police Department.
(click for info)