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Good buzz about Metro’s BEES

Over the past few months, the Metro Transit Police unit’s Bicycle Enforcement Emphasis Squad (BEES) has played an increasingly important role in maintaining the safety and security throughout the King County Metro Transit system.

The bike patrol was formed in late summer to help the closure of the Downtown Seattle Bus Tunnel go smoothly. With more bus riders moving around on the surface streets and at bus shelters, the officers were assigned to monitor passenger-waiting locations. Because they were expected to spend most of their time one-on-one with passengers and pedestrians, they were given mountain bikes to zip around town.

As members of the Metro Transit Police, all of the BEES are sworn officers with the King County Sheriff’s Office. They went through a rigorous selection process, and had to be in top physical shape to handle the athleticism needed for bike patrolling. In fact, one of the BEES is a medal winner in World Police & Fire Olympics.

“Since the unit began, we’ve received all sorts of compliments from citizens,” said Capt. Nate Elledge, with the Metro Transit Police. “Their visibility has been a real deterrent to illegal activities near our transit facilities.”

This email sent to the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) from a private citizen is an example of the types of compliments received by the BEES over the past several months:

“I would like to extend my thanks for the professional service by the King County Sheriff bike officers in downtown Seattle. Your service to the public is greatly appreciated and I am proud and gratified to have such professionals working for the public. Well done, and thanks for the work you do for us all."

The feeling is mutual. Elledge says each of the six BEES really enjoys his new assignment because of the interaction with the public, and because they see almost instant results with their police work.

There have been bike officers in the Sheriff’s Office previously, but the BEES are the department’s first-ever dedicated bike patrol. Elledge thinks they will play a role with the transit unit even after the tunnel reopens in 2007.

The bikes give the officers extra mobility and maneuverability. They also give them an element of surprise when trying to keep an eye out for wrongdoers. Often when they cite someone for a relatively minor infraction like having an open alcoholic beverage, they also check for outstanding warrants and make an arrest.

But it’s not all bad news for the BEES. They are frequently asked for directions and transit information from the general public, and are happy to help. 

They are also on the spot for bus drivers who are dealing with problem passengers, or need other assistance. Because the bike patrol is part of the Metro Transit Police, they are assigned full time to the transit agency and quickly become familiar with the drivers and supervisors, and are quick to pick up on the “bus talk” lingo. 

“It’s good to have police officers who understand the ins and outs of our system, and can spend time with our operations staff to solve issues before they become problems,” said Metro Deputy General Manager Jim Jacobson. ”The Metro Transit Police also play an important role in connecting our agency with the more than 30 public safety agencies in King County.” 

The closure of the tunnel has gone smoothly, and the BEES have been able to take on some additional assignments in other parts of the county. In November, they participated in a joint emphasis with the Renton Police Department at the Renton Transit Center. The bike officers helped with surveillance activities, and assisted with briefings at the Renton Police Department that included such topics as transit policing tactics and the Metro Suspension Policy.

In August and September, the BEES joined with the KCSO Street Crimes Unit to patrol the bus stops and shelters along “The Ave” in the University District to discourage loitering and illegal activity. They have also done some patrols in the White Center commercial district.

“They’ve been all over the place,” said Elledge. “They go wherever our buses go. We really appreciate the support of the other police departments in working with us to best serve and protect the public.”

Updated:  December 12, 2005

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