Combining mobility and efficiency led to the development of the Bicycle Patrol division. A logical component of community-oriented policing, bicycles offer immense benefit in terms of economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and positive public contact. Officers are able to complete traditional “beat officer” tasks and interact with the public. The community gains many of the advantages of a “beat officer” without the loss of mobility that dedicating an officer to foot patrol causes, and the officers are able to interact with and learn from the community.
This division focuses on safety and crime prevention, as well as various forms of theft. The Buckhannon Police Department Investigator position utilizes specialized training in processing of evidence, crime scene investigation, and criminal investigations. The Investigator assists assigned officers with both the initial and follow-up investigations for crimes involving major misdemeanors and felonies. Duties the Investigator typically assists on include: evidence collection, victim and witness interviews, suspect interrogation, and crime scene documentation. The position also serves as the Department’s Crime Prevention Officer. The Crime Prevention Officer facilitates positive community relations that are coupled with proactive efforts aimed towards the prevention and reduction of criminal activity within the City of Buckhannon.