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Council presses Park Police on electric scooters, gas-powered vehicles and night patrols on commuter trails
Summary
Committee members asked how Park Police enforce rules on gas-powered scooters and ensure commuter-trail safety at night; Chief Haywood said gas-powered vehicles are banned countywide, electric vehicles are allowed only on designated commuter trails, and overtime details target peak commute hours.
State and county legislators pressed Park Police on enforcement of motorized vehicles and safety on commuter trails used by people traveling between transit and home.
Chief Haywood told the committee that "all gas powered vehicles of any sort are not allowed on our trail system," and that electric vehicles were recently permitted only for commuter trails and where expressly designated by park rules. Haywood said enforcement focuses first on education and visible deterrence because officers "do not chase, and we will not allow folks to chase."
Delegate Nicole Williams and other members asked whether the Northwest Branch detail model (four officers from roughly 4–11 p.m.) is being rotated to other commuter trails such as Paint Branch and the Trolley Trail. Sergeant Sean McCracken confirmed the overtime detail and said officers use visible equipment, bike and motorcycle patrols and community engagement to reduce thefts and robberies along commuter corridors.
Haywood and staff said additional tactics include headlamp and lighting requirements for cyclists on commuter trails, signage clarifying permitted uses, and targeted overtime deployments during known high-use periods.
