The Ottawa Police Service is adding more boots to the ground for the summer.
Thirty-six officers have been assigned to a bike and foot patrol unit. The group includes 11 school resource officers who are not needed in schools through July and August.
Police say the bike and foot patrol unit will cover several areas, including the ByWard Market, Centretown and the Elgin Street area.
Officers on bicycles have been spotted in the ByWard Market since before the Canada Day weekend.
Spokesperson Const. Chuck Benoit says officers are assigned to the bike and foot patrol every summer.
Ottawa Police Association President Matt Skof says the resources are needed in the market area, but police are taking resources away from a stretched patrol unit for the initiative.
