Subject:     Inquisitve Ozzy Cop
Date:        10/05  11:48 AM
Received:    10/05  8:01 PM
From:        DARCY, DAVID, DARC1DAV@POLICE.NSW.GOV.AU
To:          bluejay@mail.com

--- Received from NCOP.DARC1DAV 0293395011         06/10/99 02:48

Dear Austin C-Massers,



I am a police officer in Sydney, Australia where I provide
policing response to the monthly C-Mass rides.  In Sydney the
relationship between police and C-Massr's is pretty good.  One of
the keys to that success is the use of the Sydney C-Mass talk
site.  This provides a very open and effective forum where;
1.  proposed routes for the monthly ride can be discussed
2.  behaviour of individuals, be they police or protesters can be
    discussed
3.  any difficulties or frictions between police and C-Massers can
    be discussed.

Sydney C-Mass is very seasonal.  In the winter numbers range from
between 150 to 300 riders.  The biggest ride for the year is
November.  Last year this attracted close to 2000 riders, who went
over Sydney Harbour Bridge.  We have just commenced to negotiate
with Sydney C-Mass about the route and other related issues.

Over the years we have gradually worked towards a very minimalist
policing response.  All rides are escorted by a police car at the
rear, primarily to prevent frustrated motorists ramming cyclists.
We also have between two to four velocops (police on bikes) on the
rides to assist C-Massers corking intersections.   If C-mass enter
an intersection on a green light, we allow them to continue
through the intersection even if the traffic lights turn red.  In
this way they are kept in a group.  We also allow them to ride in
all lanes.  It is against the law for bicyclists to ride anymore
than two abreast, we use our discretion and ignore this law in the
interest of keeping a tight bunch of C-Massers.  YOu will see them
riding up to 10 abreast.


I have a number of questions that I would like to ask you
concerning the police response to your rides.  I hope you can
respond as this will expand my knowledge of policing response from
a C-Mass perpective and help me assess whether we are doing the
right thing in Oz.

1.  How many people attend you monthly rides?  Are you growing?

2.  How do police respond to you?  Do you liaise with them?  Tell
    them what you are going to do?  Do they ride with you?

3.  What has been your worst experience with police?


I hope you can help.

Regards


Dave Darcy
Inspector
City Central Police Station
Sydney, Australia.

---- 06/10/99 02:48 ---- Sent to       ---------------------------
  -> bluejay@mail.com