Praising Patrol

I was glad to read about the success of the Simi Valley Police Department’s bicycle patrol detail (June 10).

In 1991, while still employed as a Simi Valley police officer, I approached Lt. Neal Rein about the possibility of starting a bicycle patrol detail in the city. Lt. Rein supported the program, and I went to work on putting a plan together.

I asked City Council members Judy Mikels and Bill Davis to support my project. Both did so willingly. I was told, however, that the city did not have the money to fund the project at that time. My projected cost was about $1,200 per officer. I waited patiently for the bicycle detail to be funded, but it never was.

I applaud the new chief of police and the City Council for going ahead with the project. I’m sure the city will see the benefit of police officers on bicycles just as many other cities across the nation have. It’s just too bad Simi Valley is so far behind the other departments in instituting new ideas and trying new products.

I wish the officers assigned to the detail all the best. Just be careful out there.

PAUL A. NOLAN

Los Angeles