NEWS CONFERENCE

 

                                              WEST PALM BEACH DDA TO UNVEIL NEW ELECTRIC-POWERED
                                                       EQUIPMENT  FOR DOWNTOWN POLICE PATROLS

 

WHAT: The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will hold a press conference to debut
several new pieces of police equipment that will improve the West Palm Beach Police Department’s ability to
patrol downtown. With rapid growth and increasing activity levels downtown, ease of mobility and enhanced 
visibility of police officers will help maintain a safe and secure environment for residents and visitors. The
rollout is timed for this equipment to be ready for use in advance of this year’s SunFest.

Included in the purchase are two electric-powered patrol carts including lighting and graphics, plus six
electric-powered bikes with siren kits and safety accessories. The new gear will help the department
modernize and upgrade its ability to patrol downtown with right-size vehicles that will increase ease of access
throughout downtown. The gear will be used by the Entertainment District Unit, a team comprised of nearly
20 police personnel who patrol the downtown district.

With speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, the electric patrol bikes will allow officers to patrol a larger area more
frequently while improving response times. An added benefit of these alternative modes of transportation
includes the reduction of fossil fuel emissions and their environmental impact. Total purchase price is $61,891.

Available interviews will include West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James, West Palm Beach DDA Executive
Director Raphael Clemente and West Palm Beach Police Department Chief Adderley.

 

WHEN:    Tuesday, May 2, 2023
                10 a.m.

WHERE:  West Palm Beach Waterfront
                101 Clematis Street

 *Media parking provide at bagged meters on the south side of Clematis Street in the 100 block.

 

West Palm Beach DDA media contact: Tony Theissen
rbb Communications
T[email protected]

 

City of West Palm Beach media contact: Diane G. Papadakos
Director of Communications
[email protected]