Product Guide Winter 2012 ipmbaNewsletter of the International Police newsMountain Bike Association IPMBA: Promoting and Advocating Education and Organization for Public Safety Bicyclists. Vol. 21, No. 1 Bootleggers, Gangsters, and IPMBA Use of Force: The Impact of Your Bike by Maureen Becker By Michael Wear, PCI #516T/EMSCI #059T Executive Director Metropolitan Police Department (DC) ootleggers, gangsters, and a guy named Pig’s Eye Parrant. St. he bicycle patrol officer is often in the midst of contact with Paul’s residents — permanent and temporary — at times have citizens. Empirical data show that bike officers have more had a somewhat unique relationship with law enforcement, citizen contact than conventional automobile patrols, as reported in which makes it an intriguing place for an IPMBA conference. Bicycle Patrols: An Underutilized Resource. Pierre “Pig’s Eye” Parrant is recognized as the first non-Native “Analysis of these data provides evidence that bicycle patrols American resident of what was to become St. Paul. He was a French- result in over twice as much contact with the public Canadian fur trapper and part-time bootlegger who migrated to Fort compared with automobile patrols. The field observation Snelling in the Minnesota Territory, where he made a fine living selling liquor to squatters, indigents, and soldiers. Forced off the land in 1838, perspective revealed clear tactical advantages to bicycle he staked his claim at the entrance to Fountain Cave, just upstream patrols.” (Menton, 2008) from what is now downtown St. Paul. There, he established a wildly The role of the bike officer is frequently equated with Community popular watering hole known as Pig’s Eye Pandemonium. It flourished Policing activities, but bike officers are involved in nearly all until 1844, when he was compelled to give up his claim. aspects of law enforcement, ranging from traffic stops to fatal Fast forward to the Prohibition era, when St. Paul gained a reputation confrontations. Like any other law enforcement agent, the bicycle as a “safe haven” for gangsters. St. Paul had something of a truce with officer will use force. The difference lies in the choice of tools or criminals: as long as the gangsters didn’t tear up the city, local weapons available to confront a suspect. It is possible to have authorities would not bother them. Hence it became a popular place to “shots fired…spray deployed…baton strikes…in pursuit-got one “lie low” between crime sprees, attracting the likes of John Dillinger running” and so on. Each of these activities requires training. and his moll Evelyn Freschette, “Ma” Barker, Officers prepare for a variety of engagements with specific As you peruse this 10th “Prettyboy” Floyd, and “Babyface” Nelson. It applications in the deployment of methods/techniques/skills, Annual Product Guide, was also the birthplace of Al Capone’s chief accompanied by a distinct written policy. make a wish list. Then rival — George “Bugs” Moran. “Law enforcement officers are authorized to use force in come to 22nd Annual At the 22nd annual IPMBA Conference, you specified circumstances, are trained in the use of force, and IPMBA Conference in can follow in the footsteps of these infamous typically face numerous circumstances during their careers St. Paul to fulfill it! characters at the 1902 Federal Court House when use of force is appropriate.” (Justice, 1999) and Post Office (where many of them were tried), among the grand houses of Summit Avenue, and in the shadows Police officers make the news daily with coverage ranging from of the Wabasha Caves. You may even sample the legacy of Pig’s Eye! fouled crime fighting measures to events whose notoriety stems (Continued on page 26) As rich in history as St. Paul is, the main reason to attend the IPMBA Conference is the outstanding training. This is followed closely by the opportunity to discover what’s new in products and services for public inside safety cyclists. Industry leaders attend the conference to launch products, display their wares, provide demos, solicit input, and mix and Corporate Members ...................................................17 mingle with you! Whether you are “in the market” for new bikes, Instructor Corner........................................................20-21 Issue Focus: Product Guide ......................................5-19 uniforms, accessories, and other bike-related merchandise, or just like Action Wipes ........................................................11 to keep your product knowledge on the cutting edge, the IPMBA BiSaddle................................................................10 Conference is the place to be. Five Ten Shoes......................................................16 As you peruse this 10th Annual IPMBA Product Guide, make a wish IMPACT Radio Accessories ...................................13 list. Then venture forth to one of America’s most bicycle-friendly InterBike 2011 ......................................................5 states for the 22nd Annual IPMBA Conference, where you will visit Product Purchase Program ....................................6-9 with the vendors, improve your public safety cycling skills, and explore Rolling with the Big Boys ......................................12 Spenco Heat Wave 2.0 .........................................15 St. Paul’s colorful and storied past. Storm Quest Saddle...............................................14 For updates, including a current list of vendors, and to register, visit Supplier List ..........................................................17-19 www.ipmba.org/conferences.htm. Teny Cyclone Rims ...............................................11 Member News ...........................................................22-24 St.IPMBA Paul’s NEWS, Got it All!VOL. April21, NO.28-May 1 5, 2012. News from the UK .....................................................25 1 President’s Column .................................................... 2 President’s Column People of Integrity = Organization of Integrity or the last four years, I have had What I am referring to is the level of integrity of the the honor and privilege of serving people with whom I have worked and served F as your President. I want to give alongside these past years. I have witnessed and you a heartfelt and sincere “Thank participated in discussions, arguments, agreements, You” for the opportunity to have done and disagreements (sometimes all in the same so. It has been a high point of my law meeting) that stem from the sincere desire of each enforcement career to have worked with person to better this organization. I would like to the Board of Directors and the members think, as I finish my last term as your President, that of this organization. I have learned we have accomplished our goal of pushing this much, experienced much, and have been witness to organization to continuous improvement. exceptional effort by people serving an organization for which they care deeply. I now understand the mixed feelings and emotions that past presidents and board members feel when It has been said that you are able to determine what their terms come to an end. There is a desire to your priorities are by looking at how you spend continue to push ahead, but, at the same time, there your time. Without a doubt, I can say that the folks is a feeling of accomplishment and a realization that staffing the Board of Directors and Executive the time is right to step aside so that others can gain Director positions have this organization at the top the experience and bring their strengths to the of their priority lists. The amount of time that goes organization. While I’m not sure if my time on the into trying to guide and direct an organization that Board is over, I do know that my time as President spans three different professional disciplines and is ending. I greatly appreciate the opportunity that around the world is monumental. The people has been afforded me and want to assure you that serving this organization take on these efforts your organization is in good and caring hands. willingly, with purpose, and with the intention of doing what they believe is best for the organization. BECOME AN IPMBA INSTRUCTOR ipmba news Newsletter of the INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION 583 Frederick Road, Suite 5B Baltimore, MD 21228 PH: 410-744-2400 ~ FX: 410-744-5504 E-mail: [email protected] Join the ranks of more than 1,000 of your fellow public Web site: www.ipmba.org David Hildebrand safety bicyclists by becoming an IPMBA Instructor. IPMBA President Maureen Becker Executive Director; Managing Editor all 410-744-2400 or email [email protected] for an instructor Jennifer Horan Design and Layout C application packet. In the simplest of terms, to become an Instructor, you must meet the criteria outlined in the packet, apply Copyright 2012 © International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA). to IPMBA headquarters, be approved, then register for and attend Reproduction without permission is prohibited. one of the Instructor Courses. The first course of 2012 will be held The International Police Mountain Bike Association promotes the use of bikes for public safety, April 28-May 2, 2012, in St. Paul, Minnesota, in conjunction with provides resources and networking opportunities, and offers the best, most complete training for the annual IPMBA Conference. public safety cyclists. IPMBA Membership is $55.00 per year. Check out www.ipmba.org for Interested in submitting an article? Interested in advertising in IPMBA