THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 11, 1995 TAG: 9510100066
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 11 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
In response to criticisms made by Shelton Spivey about the Sheriff's Office bicycle patrol program, I would like to respond with a few facts.
Rather than finding a positive side to the program, he responded negatively, indicating it was a waste of taxpayers' money. However, he fails to realize a simple fact: It costs less to operate a bicycle than it does an automobile.
Mr. Spivey stated, ``Let's get the bikes free and spend $3,000 on drug prevention or a program to help our youth.'' This statement indicates Mr. Spivey is unaware of two facts. First, monies designated for equipment expenditures cannot be used for drug prevention. Second, the Sheriff's Office has a drug prevention education program in place. It's called D.A.R.E. In addition, we work in conjunction with the Isle of Wight Substance Abuse Council and the Isle of Wight County Drug Free School Committee. We present drug prevention programs to local churches, civic groups and scout functions.
Mr. Spivey questioned the qualifications of the deputies assigned to the bicycle patrol. The deputies chosen to participate in this program might be of benefit to the citizens. These three officers are members of the Sheriff's Response Team, and two of the three deputies have completed an intense training program in bicycle techniques, with plans for the third deputy to attend training in the future. This training is the same that Virginia Beach and Newport News officers have received.
Mr. Spivey believes the bicycles should be used primarily in ``urban'' areas. This statement indicates he is not fully aware of what is going on in Isle of Wight County. We are connected to the Peninsula and Tidewater areas by major highways; therefore, we have the potential of being victims of the same criminal activities that plague these areas. To close our minds and deny we need to implement whatever means we can to provide additional tools to fight crime because we are described as a ``rural'' area can be disastrous.
I am of the opinion and belief that the results we have seen from the bicycle patrol have contributed to the safety and welfare of the citizens of Isle of Wight County and that the patrol has proven itself to be as successful a program here as it has elsewhere in the United States.
C.W. Phelps
Sheriff
Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office by CNB