POLICE in Worcestershire are turning to pedal power in a bid to become more effective and create better links with communities.
Twenty-eight officers from West Mercia have completed a three-day training course at the force's headquarters in Hindlip Hall, Worcester, and another 60 police officers and community support officers are due to train for getting in the saddle by December.
PC Tim Larrad, from the force training school, said: "Although bikes were commonly used by officers many years ago, they fell out of favour and it is only recently that forces have begun to recognise the role bikes can play in increasing the visibility and accessibility of officers, while still allowing them to respond quickly to incidents.
"Officers are taught handling skills, how to make a successful arrest from a bike and how to use the bike as a means of protection in hostile situations."
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