Badge, Trooper Mike the Talking Bike Deputy
Object number2008.203.01
Dateca 1975
Mediummetal
Dimensions1 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. (3.8 x 3.8 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
DescriptionTrooper Mike the Talking Bike Deputy Badge. Trooper Mike was an educational tool used by the Arkansas State Police in the 1970's. The bike was originally constructed by Sergeant Jerry Reinold. He got the inspiration for the bike when he attended a meeting of safety officers from various states. The group was the Uniformed Safety Officers' Workshop which was held in Chicago, Illinois in 1972. Sergeant Reinold returned to Arkansas and obtained permission from Colonel Bill Miller to institute a similar program.
A bicycle was donated by AMF Cycle of Little Rock. The bike was painted by Tom Reinold and Sergeant Reinhold installed the light and wiring for the speaker. The bike "talked" to the students by means of a tape recorder installed in saddlebags, and the light blinked along with the recorded message three times as the previous recording wore out.
Students who attended the safety program were issued "Deputy Trooper" badges. Over a period of three years over 150,000 badges were given out. Sergeant Reinold himself conducted over 800 programs.
After the programs were given at a school, student would write a letter, or teachers would write letters for the class, giving the child's name and address and send them to the p[public information office in Little Rock, The public information office would in turn have "Trooper Mike" send a letter to each student.
Over a three year period, the ASP safety officers averaged some 300 programs per year, and contacted 50-75,000 students through these programs. "Trooper Mike" also appeared on numerous television programs to promote bicycle safety for Arkansas children.
Status
Not on view
