One of the key aspects of
a functional learning environment is a safe environment.
Alvin Community College
Police Chief Ike Hammrick will use a recent grant to increase safety on campus
with the help of a bicycle patrol.
“The bike patrol will allow
officers to maneuver around the campus quickly, yet provide a more personal
contact with the college community,” Hammrick said.
The ACC Police Department
received $500 from the Foundation Innovative Initiative Grant program to help
establish the patrol.
The Innovative Initiative
Grants were awarded to eleven projects this spring. They are designed to
encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward innovative and creative approaches
to fulfill the mission of the college. The grants will be used for the 2016-17
academic year.
Funds from the grant will
fund equipment for the patrol bicycles and the officers including lights, a
bike rack and safety equipment. Alvin Police Department will provide the bikes
for the patrol initially.
The bicycles will help
lower fuel costs due to a slight reduction in the number of vehicular patrols.
Hammrick said the patrol
is an excellent way of allowing officers to patrol areas not accessible by
vehicle.
“Officers assigned to
bike patrol will be able to access areas where it is difficult for a patrol car
to go, such as the track and courtyard,” he said. “Officers assign to bike
patrol will take calls like any other officer, except their mode of travel will
be a bicycle.”
The patrol will also be
used for events on or near the campus that attracts large crowds.
“Bike patrol officers
will also be used during special events such as Fall Festival, next year’s July
4th Celebration and the Rotary Music Festival,” Hammrick said.
The patrols are expected
to begin by the end of July.
The patrol will start
with two officers and is expected to increase to four.
The
Foundation issued $12,038 in Innovative Initiative grants this year. To learn
more about the Foundation, visit www.alvincollege.edu/foundation
or call 281-756-3600.