State Capitol Police Bicycle Patrol

The Connecticut State Capitol Police added a bike patrol to its forces in the fall of 2003.  Due to the efforts of Chief William Morgan and OFC. Mark Baldwin they received a Federal Byrne Memorial Grant. 

The Federal Byrne Memorial Grant Program is designed to provide assistance to state and municipalities for the purpose of enforcing state laws.  The Byrne Grant provided funding for the purchase of custom Smith & Wesson public safety bicycles, uniforms and training.

The bike patrols focus is assisting the public, crime prevention, deterrent patrol checks and special event assistance.  The Bike Patrol allows for greater visibility and faster response for service.

Besides their normal daily functions around the Capitol Complex the Capitol Police Bike Patrol has also assisted other Police Departments through the regional mutual aid compact.   The Bike Patrol assisted Hartford Police with several UCONN Huskies parades, worked with East Hartford Police at their annual 4^th of July River-Fest as well as participating in the Connecticut Day Parade at the Big “E” in Springfield Mass.

The department's first 4 bike patrol officers; Off. Walter Lee, OFC. Tim Kasek, OFC. Mark Baldwin, and OFC. Robert Holmgren; completed a 5 day IPMBA Police Cyclist Course on June 6, 2003.   In 2005  2 more officers, OFC. Robert Bates and OFC. Kevin Long, completed the IPMBA course bringing the total bike patrol division to 6 active members. 

  The Bike Patrol Office was completed in 2005 making it a fully functional for repairs and storage of the bikes and equipment.  As part of our community involvement we offer assistance and the amenities of our Bike patrol office to our staff members that cycle should they encounter problems with their bicycles.