The Office of the Sheriff’s Bike Patrol Unit provides patrol services and bike safety demonstrations around the county at various events. The team enforces state and county ordinances, provides a security presence, assists residents and visitors, and ensures traffic safety and control.

Bike team members are proficient in riding up and down hills and stairs, navigating off-road terrain and riding in bad weather. Training includes long endurance rides, short rides, obstacle courses, practical-based scenarios, night riding and bike maintenance.

For more information about the Bike Patrol Unit and its availability for community events, please email fcso@franklincountyva.gov

Bike Safety Tips

Before you ride, make sure that everything on your bicycle is working correctly. Get in the habit of checking the brakes, and make sure there are no loose or broken parts on your bike. Reflectors and lights make you and your bicycle more visible to drivers, especially in the dark.

• • ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET! The best way to protect your head and face is to wear a helmet that properly fits. If you are unsure about which helmet to get, check with your local bike store.
  • Wear protective glasses, which can stop debris from getting into your eyes.
  • Wear bright, reflective clothing to make it easier for drivers to see you.
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands from developing blisters or being injured by debris.
  • Wear padded shorts and use a comfortable seat to reduce buttock pain.
  • Stay alert and look out for anything in your way.
  • Always have plenty of water and food with you while riding.
  • Always carry emergency contact information, including health alerts, on you or on your bike equipment.

​Employment Requirements

​Individuals seeking employment in the Patrol Division must undergo a rigorous screening process to help ensure that only the most qualified candidates are allowed into this demanding field of labor. This rigorous screening process includes:

• Lifestyle polygraph test

• One or more panel interviews

• Physical agility testing

• Reading and comprehension testing

• Thorough background investigation

Only after an applicant passes all areas of the screening process can they be considered a viable candidate.

For additional information on the Patrol Division, please contact Captain Erik Mollin at Erik.Mollin@franklincountyva.gov or Captain Ken Holland at Ken.Holland@franklincountyva.gov

​In addition, the Office of the Sheriff has a Bloodhound K-9 Program that utilizes the Bloodhound breed to track missing or runaway persons. 

​Public Demonstrations – the K-9 teams conduct public demonstrations on a regular basis to civic groups, childcare centers, church groups, schools and in community events. 

​For additional information on the K-9 Unit, please contact 1st Lieutenant Terry Dameron at Terry.Dameron@franklincountyva.gov