CdA police chief an ambassador on wheels
Wayne Longo takes his turn on downtown bike patrol
COEUR d’ALENE – Wayne Longo’s gotten a few laughs from people who recognize him as he patrols downtown Coeur d’Alene on a bicycle.
“Aren’t you too old?”
“Shouldn’t you be behind a desk?”
A 9-to-5 desk job just is not in the nature of the Coeur d’Alene police chief.
Last summer there were eight bicycle officers cruising downtown streets.
This summer, there are three. Plus Longo, 54.
At least once a week the chief has taken a shift that begins before dinnertime and doesn’t end until an hour after the bars close.
He’s there to help out – it’s hard to find people willing to work as reserve officers because of the nominal pay and lack of benefits. He’s there so he can see firsthand the challenges his officers are dealing with.
“It’s easier for me to go for things my people need if I see what they need,” Longo said.
The chief has a good time doing it, too.
“I like waving our flag,” he said. “It’s great (public relations). You get to talk to people.”
He views bicycle officers as more than law enforcement: They are also ambassadors for the department and the city.
People stop them on the streets and ask questions.
Where’s a good spot to eat? Where do I catch a cruise boat? What are the schools here like?
Longo said he doesn’t get any special treatment and doesn’t expect it from his officers.
“If I’m in the way, they’ll tell me,” Longo said.
For two of the bike cops, both young in their careers, the chief’s willingness to patrol the streets with them has been an inspiration.
“I was very surprised to see him down here,” said reserve Officer Brad Hamilton. “You don’t hear of police chiefs doing that often.”
Reserve Officer Pete Tufford said Longo could pretty much do whatever he wants as chief of police.
“It’s a privilege to have him come down here and just be doing everything we’re doing,” Tufford said.
Veteran police Officer Mark Todd is also impressed with Longo’s willingness to help out.
“He’s here for manpower,” Todd said. “When he says he’ll hold a traffic flare, he’ll do menial stuff, too, he’s not kidding. It’s enlightening.”
Longo said it’s all about being part of the same team.
“I honestly think it makes me a better person and a better police officer being out here,” he said.