Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

PPS institutes bicycle patrols

Dont be alarmed by the sight of police officers riding around neighborhoods on bicycles.

Officers in the Prescott Police Department are making routine patrols in city neighborhoods on bicycles. The patrols will be rotated and not assigned to officers. In fact, according to Morris Irvin, assistant police chief, the officers volunteer for bicycle patrol.

Its a great way for them to see whats going on in neighborhoods, he said. Kids love it, as do the officers.

One of the areas these officers will be focusing on is loud music. The PPD has purchased decibel meters to check the level of noise coming from vehicles because of complaints the department has been receiving because of music.

This issue was also addressed at the June meeting of the Prescott City Council, where it was said there have been cases music from passing cars has been so loud it disrupted church services.

Morris said loud music isnt a new problem, and occurs more in the summer when school lets out.

Those cited for playing their music too loud are charged under the disorderly conduct statute and are fined $205, which includes court costs.

Irvin has a model noise ordinance to present to the Council in July. Should the ordinance be adopted, violators could be fined up to $500.

The ordinance Irvin will present includes noise levels and distances music can be heard. If adopted as written, music levels cant exceed 55 db, or be clearly heard more than 30 feet from a vehicle.

Bicycle patrol officers will be carrying the portable decibel meters and checking noise levels. Those who exceed the levels will be given tickets.

The officers are doing their bike patrols in the mornings and evenings, but arent riding in the heat of the day.