Thanks to an anonymous community donor, the Wheeling Police Department introduced two brand-new specialty vehicles Tuesday that will be unique to law enforcement and community policing.
The Trikke Police Specialty Vehicles or simply “trikkes” are personal electric vehicles ready for police tasks when a typical police car is not the best option.
According to the manufacturer, Trikke Professional Mobility, the new specialty vehicles will extend an officer’s traditional foot and bicycle range, call response speeds, and dramatically increases positive public engagement. Fast and eco-friendly, it outperforms cruisers for mobility purposes in crowded conditions and multi-terrain scenarios.
The trikke’s can travel at a speed of 37 miles-per-hour and can last for roughly 30 miles or an eight-hour police shift. It also has a very quiet electric engine that allows officers be more alert of their surroundings.
“Already, several residents have seen the positive impact these new trikke’s are having in their area, by just having the ability to stop, have a conversation and have a positive interaction. Being able to make this addition to the Wheeling PD, with a heartfelt thanks to our anonymous donor, will no doubt increase our visibility, response time and enhance our continued efforts on community policing,” said Lt. Josh Sanders, WPD special operations commander.
All officers are in the process of being properly trained. Members of the new WPD Trikke Unit include Lt. Josh Sanders, Sgt. Rob Safreed, Cpl. Ben Young, Cpl. Carlie Haywood, Pfc. Dean Redinger and Pfc. Brandon Hoehn.
Wheeling Police will be utilizing the trikke’s this weekend for the Independence Day holiday as well as other community events, festivals and special operations throughout the year.
