Initial Training Course

(A mandatory prerequisite for the Police Cyclist Course)

 

Very rarely do bike patrol units find themselves filling vacancies just prior to a certification course. In some instances replacement officers have been selected six, seven, and even eight months prior to the next available training opportunity, therefore we have developed the Initial Training Course (ITC). 

 

The ITC is an 8-hour course and its curriculum was developed to provide the new bike officer with the basic fundamentals of bicycle handling, riding in traffic, riding in groups, and state statutes concerning bicycle operations in the State of Texas.  This training allows the new bike officer to begin working bike patrols prior to attending the PCC.  “Getting some wheel time” is highly recommended because it enables the new officer to develop their riding skills which, in turn, will allow more time to focus on honing those skills and learning police tactics during the Police Cyclist Course.

 

Alvin and Galveston Police Departments provide opportunities to attend the ITC at their respective departments.  The Houston Police Department has a similar mandate and course: the Orientation Course.  HPD’s Orientation Course can be accepted in lieu of the ITC when the student is attending the Police Cyclist Course.

 

The ITC is free of charge and an officer can attend even if they have no intention of attending the 40-hour course.  This is not sufficient training to allow an officer to operate alone or with another untrained officer, but intended to be utilized by officers whose departments already have certified bike officers to provide guidance and correct riding and tactical errors. Attendance in this course will not provide the student with TCLEOSE credit unless they also attend the PCC.

 

 

Tactical Pistol for the Bike Patrol Officer

 

Our commitment is to provide the most current and comprehensive training for the bike patrol officer in the Gulf Coast region and keeping in step with this commitment we will be offering The Tactical Pistol for the Bike Patrol Officer Course in the spring/summer of 2006.  This will be a 16-hour, two-day course that will provide the student with tactics and techniques that will enable him or her to respond or counter deadly force incidents while on bike patrol.  The first day will be held during the daylight hours while the second day will be held at nighttime.

 

To attend this course the student must have successfully completed an IPMBA Police Cyclist Course and have a letter of approval from a division or department head.  The student will be required to provide their own weapons, ammunition, hearing and eye protection as well as the same equipment required for the PCC. 

 

More information on this course will be provided via this website.