Monroe County now has 3 trained bicycle deputies

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) – Three deputies with Monroe County are now certified to patrol on bicycles.

The officers took courses at a training session in Evansville or through the Indiana University Police Department. Their first task was to patrol the new Karst Farm Greenway in Bloomington.

The deputies had to complete physical fitness tests to earn certification. The (Bloomington) Herald-Times reports that three more deputies are scheduled to take the training and fitness test.

Monroe County Sheriff Brad Swain says he plans to staff the trail during special events, holidays and certain weekends and evenings.

The bicycle patrol equipment cost about $5,000. The sheriff’s department and Monroe County Parks and Recreation Foundation split the cost. An opening ceremony for the new trail is scheduled for Saturday.