CANTON – Many police encounters begin with a 911 call.
For officers Brandon Shackle and P.J. Johnson, most begin with a simple greeting: Stopping into a local business or waving at a resident.
It turns out, without the barrier of a patrol car, conversations come more naturally.
The pair pedals through many of their patrols as the Canton Police Department's newest bike patrol officers.
The initiative is part of Chief John Gabbard's push to enhance community policing. Gabbard previously told the Repository when officers interact with residents only during crises, it can create limited perspective of the community and reinforce misunderstandings.
It's not the first time Canton has had officers on bikes. The program was first initiated in the 1990s by late Chief Thomas Wyatt, according to Gabbard.
In 2021, the program returned after a 14-year hiatus but went away shortly after due to staffing shortages. This year marked its most recent return.
The bike patrol is made up of veteran officers. Shackle has been with the department since 2008, while Johnson joined in 2013. Previously, they both worked in the detective bureau.
"(Regular patrol) is a lot of enforcement, a lot of arresting people, and dealing with a lot of the negative side of things," Johnson said. "This is a lot more shaking hands, meet people, trying to assist anybody we can."
The two officers said they have no interest in arresting anyone. In fact, they can recall only one instance of needing to do so since starting their position in January. Instead, they are in the business of community connections and providing proper resources.
"Being that we're not assigned to the regular patrol, we don't have to respond to all the emergency calls," Shackle said. "We can take more time with a call. ... We stop and talk to people all the time. It really emphasizes the quality over the quantity of the call."
While Shackle and Johnson can frequently be seen with bicycles, their full-time assignments are covering the downtown area. They also travel by foot, a truck or scooter depending on the weather and situation.
On a typical day, Shackle and Johnson start their shifts on their bikes, riding a couple of miles downtown.
They work noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
During that time, the officers make rounds, connect with businesses and residents, asking if there have been any problems that need addressed.
Another primary goal is connecting people facing homelessness with resources such as community organizations and liaison officers. In especially hot weather, the officers help direct people to cooling centers.
"We try to get that information out there so we can try to help them out so they're not just stuck there downtown with nowhere to go," Shackle.
The pair also hope to become a familiar face downtown.
"People like having an officer they recognize and they know versus a different officer responding all the time and having to readjust that connection," Johnson said.
Other than the usual rounds, their shifts vary, including being on duty for downtown events. Getting somewhere on a bike is sometimes easier than a car and quicker than on foot. They respond where needed — such as rescuing a groundhog stranded on a courthouse window.
And because their bike patrol is weather dependent, Johnson said he will hold on for as long as he can before cold weather takes over and they have to turn to warmer means of transportation downtown.
The program's longevity depends on staffing levels. Priorities are call response through the Patrol Division, followed by case investigation by the Investigative Division, according to Gabbard. As long as those are adequately staffed, positions such as bike patrol may be assigned.
Seven months into the new beat, Johnson said a majority of community feedback is positive.
"We probably get more jokes from our own guys than we do on the streets. They're mostly jealous we get to wear shorts," he joked.
Todd Herberghs, executive director of the Downtown Canton Partnership, has seen the patrol come and go over the years, but was excited for its return in 2026.
Herberghs recalled talking to a business owner who said the officers were always just a call or text away.
"Businesses like to be able to reach out to someone and know who to call," Herberghs said. "... It makes them feel like their voice is being heard."
Vicki Boatright, owner of BZTAT Studios downtown at 320 Cleveland Ave. NW, said bike patrol officers are visible throughout downtown and may help deter crime. She described the officers as friendly, approachable and engaged with local businesses.
"It's helpful for people to know they are around and close," Boatright said. "If there are any kind of problems we have, they're right there."
Boatright, who has operated businesses downtown for about 15 years, said the area has always felt safe to her. She said bike and foot patrols help strengthen relationships between officers and the community.
"They stop in the businesses. They talk with us, get to know us," she said.
Meanwhile, Boatright, a bicycle enthusiast, also said the officers set a good example for bike safety — as they are well equipped with safety gear and helmets.
Barb Resch, owner of Cantonology at 306 Fourth St. NW, has seen the bike officers in different areas downtown. She said efforts like foot patrol, bike patrol and the new substation make officers more approachable.
"If we're in a vehicle, how is anyone going to talk to us?" she said. "... It feels a little more connected."
Contact Abreanna Blose by email at [email protected] or by phone at 330-580-8513.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Can a bicycle help police build trust? Canton thinks so | Exclusive