22 new bike cops patrol tourist zones in Guayaquil
Wearing olive green bermuda shorts and khaki polo shirts bearing the crests, 22 police officers have begun patrolling the streets and parks of Guayaquil on mountain bikes.
The new preventive policing operation is called “Policiclo,” and is concentrated in ten zones during the trial phase of the the program. The Ministry of the Interior is sponsoring the initiative.
On their first day, the sporty get-up and the light transport mode of the officers turned heads in the pedestrian-heavy zones on the 9 de Octubre boulevard, the Simon Bolívar boardwalk, Centenario Park, San Francisco Plaza, the surrounding of the Guayaquil Hotel and the Guayas Governorship, Salado boardwalk, and more tourist areas.
Jenny Alvarez, one pedestrian, whipped out her phone and snapped a photo of the strange sight. She said she’s glad the police force is being creative to increase security and offer citizens a better service.
The 22 officers were also instructed by the Chamber of Tourism to be able to answer questions about Guayaquil’s main attractions.