The Bicycle Patrol Unit was first initiated in 1999 with four officers and currently consists of eight officers.  The mission of the Watertown Police Bicycle Patrol Unit is to routinely patrol the City of Watertown with emphasis placed on uptown areas, retail business districts, parks and campgrounds.  They will be involved with special activities such as helping out the schools with bicycle safety talks, bike inspection, and bicycle rodeos that are conducted throughout the year.  They are also utilized for special activities such as walkathons, footraces, parades, and concerts.  If needed, they are used to saturate specific geographical problem areas were certain criminal activity has occurred.  The Bicycle Patrol Unit is used as a proactive approach to minimize crime in areas where deemed necessary by use of officer presence such as parks, school campuses, parking lots, and any other area where problems may exist.  The Bicycle Patrol Unit is used to enhance relations between the Watertown Police and the community.