| James Kon |
AFTER cars and bikes, the policemen in Brunei will now be seen riding bicycles while on patrolling duty.
To start with, the Bandar Seri Begawan Central Police Station under the Brunei-Muara Police District yesterday launched the Police Bicycle Patrol at the Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, in a bid to increase the presence of police personnel around the heart of the capital.
The launching of the patrol was officiated by Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam and witnessed by Deputy Commissioner of RBPF Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali; Acting Officer Commanding Police District (OCPD) of Brunei-Muara Superintendent of Police Pengiran Haji Abdul Salam bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Ghani as well as senior police personnel.
Several members of the Legislative Council and Muhd Nazrul Hadi bin Kamis, the local boy who was bestowed with the ‘Honorary Policeman’ certificate by RBPF earlier this year also attended the ceremony.
The Police Bicycle Patrol team comprises eight police personnel who will patrol around the capital on bicycle 24-hours in shifts and cover Jalan Masjid Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, Jalan McArthur, Jalan Residency, Jalan Kianggeh, Jalan Bendahara, Jalan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien-Jalan James Pearce and Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas.
“Actually, the bicycle patrol was in existence long ago but it became inactive over the years. The Royal Brunei Police Force has revived the system in view of the rapid developments in Bandar Seri Begawan as well as Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas,” Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy told the media following the launching ceremony.
“The main aims of the new system are to further increase public safety and prevent crimes. In addition, the police personnel on bicycle can present themselves as ambassadors of Brunei to foreign tourists. Any tourist needing help or information can approach them for assistance,” he said.
The personnel have designated routes, however, they could also respond to incidents close by, he added.
The commissioner also revealed that the Police Bicycle Patrol will be extended to all districts and bicycles would be provided to police posts in rural areas as well.
“With the Police Bicycle Patrol, members of the public will feel more comfortable to approach police on bicycle than those in patrol cars.
“This is because personnel on bicycle can easily stop on their track and provide assistance. This will also enhance the partnership and closeness between members of public and the police force,” he said.
During the launching ceremony, Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy also inspected the police bicycles and mingled with the personnel of the bicycle patrol.
