SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve funding, in an amount not to exceed $15,000, for the purchase and implementation of the Downtown CRA Officers E-Bike Program in partnership with the City of Clearwater Police Department and authorize appropriate officials to execute the same.
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SUMMARY:
The Clearwater Police Department (CPD) is seeking approval to integrate electric bicycles (e-bikes) into the Downtown Community Policing Team. This initiative aligns with the City of Clearwater’s Strategic Plan and the Downtown Clearwater CRA Plan by enhancing public safety, increasing officer accessibility, and strengthening community engagement in the downtown area. E-bikes will provide officers with improved mobility in pedestrian-heavy areas, faster response times, and increased approachability to the public while promoting eco-friendly transportation alternatives.
Program Outline:
The CPD Downtown Community Policing E-Bike Program will:
- Deploy e-bikes for CPD officer patrols within the Downtown CRA boundaries, including areas inaccessible by vehicles (400/500 blocks of Cleveland Street).
- Provide increased officer visibility and direct community engagement.
- Enhance mobility for traffic enforcement and public safety education.
- Conduct e-bike safety demonstrations for the public and riders.
- Support law enforcement investigations, particularly in traffic-related cases where e-bikes are involved.
Total Funding Request: $15,000
- E-bikes and accessories (helmets, safety equipment)
- Officer certification and training
- Maintenance and inspections
- Contingency for repairs and adjustments
Goals and Objectives:
Enhance Public Safety
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
• Increase officer response time in congested areas.
• Reduce number of unsafe rider-related complaints in downtown blocks.
Strengthen Community Engagement
- KPIs:
• Deploy officers on e-bikes during downtown events.
• Conduct a minimum of 2 public safety demonstrations annually.
• Collect feedback from merchants and residents on officer visibility and approachability.
Community Input:
- Supportive Feedback: East Gateway stakeholders expressed unanimous support for increased visibility and approachability of e-bike patrols.
- Concerns Noted: Businesses including Chiang Mai, P.J.’s Auto World, and Senor Subs expressed concerns about unsafe e-bike rider behavior on Cleveland Street, reinforcing the importance of CPD’s dual role in both education and enforcement.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of funding in the amount of $15,000 for the City of Clearwater Police Department Downtown Community Policing E-Bike Deployment Program. This initiative will improve CPD officers accessibility, enhance safety and visibility, strengthen community engagement, and promote sustainability within Downtown Clearwater CRA Area
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this program is available in R2001 Community Policing.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1.4 Foster safe and healthy communities in Clearwater through first-class public safety and emergency response services.
1.5 Embrace a culture of innovation that drives continuous improvement and successfully serves all our customers.
