By Rita Cook
Correspondent
I Messenger Media
DUNCANVILLE – Duncanville’s Police Chief Matt Stogner has been with the city’s police department for 27 years before taking the role of Interim Police Chief in January 2024, then easily found his place at the helm as full-time Police Chief when he was sworn in August 2024.
Due to Stogner’s years of working in Duncanville and experiencing its growth and needs, now as one of the city’s leaders he can hone in on community programs and needs from a safety perspective.
Stogner’s department recently reimplemented a program in the city introducing the police department’s new Bike Patrol Unit.
The chief said he is not certain why the program was discontinued in the past, “possibly due to a lack of interest, equipment, or budgetary funds,” but no matter, he said he decided to bring the Bike Patrol Unit back.
“It is an effective way to strengthen our connection with the community while enhancing public safety,” he explained. “With the growth of city events, increased park activity, and a focus on community policing, it became clear that bike patrols were the right fit. It allows officers to be more visible, approachable, and responsive, especially in areas where traditional patrol vehicles have limitations. It’s a proactive step toward building trust and improving the quality of life for our residents.”
Stogner put the task of reimplementing the program to his Officer Gaston Banks.
“I cannot be prouder of his dedication, commitment, and work that he put into making this program sustainable, effective, and successful.”
The Bike Patrol Unit was officially reintroduced on July 4, 2025, during the city’s Independence Day celebration. That event served as a launch point to reintroduce the community to this important initiative.
The bicycle used, after extensive research according to Banks, is the versatile Trek Procaliber 6.
Currently, the unit is composed of three officers: Officers Brandon Dunn, Jai Johnson, and Banks.
The team is specially trained and certified in bicycle patrol operations, which is a rigorous 40-hour course. The city also anticipates growing that number based on the success and ongoing needs of the community.
As with any reimplementation, one challenge the Police Department found was ensuring proper staffing so the new Unit can operate without pulling resources from other critical areas. Weather conditions and terrain also present occasional logistical challenges.
However, Banks said “Our team has done a great job adapting and staying mission focused.”
Early on too, the Bike Patrol Unit team determined the intent and goodwill for the program was foremost to strengthen the relationship with the community by working collaboratively to solve concerns.
“The police bicycle unit is a symbol of connection,” Gaston said. “It brings us off the car seat and into the neighborhoods—closer to the people we protect. Our vision is simple: to be seen, to be approachable, and to be trusted. One ride at a time, we’re building safer, stronger communities.”
The bikes are not meant to replace patrol vehicles in Duncanville and are an ancillary duty to the officer’s primary job in patrol.
Stogner explained “The bike unit is simply an extension of our community engagement and crime reduction initiatives. It’s a practical, community-driven investment, and I’m proud to see it back in service.”
Other cities in the area, like Seagoville, also have successful Bike Patrol Units; whose unit has been functioning for the past 25 years, according to Seagoville City Manager Carey Neal.
And the Grand Prairie Police Department has used a bike patrol unit for more than two decades.
Mark Beseda, Public Information Officer, Grand Prairie Police Department pointed out that the city’s Bike Patrol Unit has been “one of the most effective community policing tools we have.”
“It increases officer visibility, enhances community engagement, and allows rapid response in areas traditional patrol units can’t easily reach,” Beseda said.
Again, it is all about trust and human contact and these police departments are taking advantage of this type of policing, building trust “one conversation at a time,” Beseda said.
