(October 14, 2011)

Contact: Dena Pruett, Centenary Marketing & Communication, 318.869.5715

DPS Hosts IPMBA Police Cyclist Course

SHREVEPORT, LA — The Centenary Department of Public Safety (DPS) along with the Shreveport Police Department hosted and participated in an International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) certification course for sworn police officers this week. Corporal Anthony Sutis, a member of the Shreveport Police Department and a certified IPMBA instructor, led the course.

Police Cyclists

Four of the six officers completing the course were Centenary DPS officers: Lieutenant Eddie Walker, Officer Heather Boucher, Officer Jeff Englade, and Officer Todd Field. The Shreveport police officers also completing training were Officer Kendric Veals and Officer Erik Alvarez.

The IPMBA course provides officers with the bicycle skills they need to effectively serve their communities. This week-long course is divided into eleven units:

  • Bike Handling and Vehicular Cycling

  • Bike Fit

  • Group Riding

  • Hazard Recognition and Common Crashes

  • Obstacle Clearing and Riding Techniques

  • Patrol Procedures

  • Nighttime Patrol

  • Community Policing

  • Basic Maintenance

  • Legal Issues and Traffic Laws

  • Fitness and Nutrition

The officers logged over 20 hours of on-bike time to develop and improve their riding skills. IPMBA certification is available to the officers who participated in the course with the passing of a written and practical skills test.

The DPS employs state certified police officers. These officers have the same law enforcement powers, authority and responsibilities as a state/city police officer or sheriff's deputy, including the power of arrest. The DPS has officers on duty 24 hours a day every day of the year.

The International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) has certified more than 1,000 Police and EMS Cycling Instructors, who in turn have provided training to more than 30,000 public safety cycling personnel. IPMBA has over 3,000 active members representing approximately 1,200 law enforcement agencies, nearly 150 EMS agencies, and nearly 50 private security providers.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 371 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.