“The ORCA officers focus on the crimes happening and organized retail theft. The bike officers are both traffic enforcers and community police officers.”
Greenwich Police Captain Mark ZuccerellaZuccerella said that when officers were directing traffic on Greenwich Ave all day, they were stuck in their corners.
“Bicycle police can respond to the bottom of the Ave quickly,” he added said. “We have found the delivery of services is better when the officers are mobile. Especially if someone calls for a medical emergency.”
Beyond that, Captain Zuccerella said Greenwich Avenue was the biggest source of calls for service.
“There are a lot of shops that call with regards to theft,” he said.” The officers directing traffic had to radio in anything they saw. They’d have to run unless it was in the immediate area, but most of the time they couldn’t leave and had to radio in the call for help.”
“The officers are not on the corner stagnant for 8 hours, but traffic is flowing. They’re doing everything the officer in the circle is doing but they’re mobile and can respond to calls for service.”
See also:
Priorities for Police Presence on Greenwich Avenue Debated at RTM
Jan 20, 2021