Police Motorcycle Units Are a Valuable Asset to a Police Department
Files
Date
2018
Authors
Fairey, Mac
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT)
Abstract
Description
With a dramatic shift in the way modern policing is heading, some police departments may find themselves between a rock and hard place when it comes to the police motorcycle. The prestige and versatility that comes along with the police motorcycle is one that some departments embrace. They are capable of performing special functions such as parades, escorts, and demonstrations. They are able to respond quickly to accidents with congested traffic and provided medical care faster when roads are blocked.
The police motorcycle can come with its own challenges and major safety concerns. The police motorcycle officer has very little protection when it comes to crashes, and there are lives lost each year to police motorcycle crashes. These fatalities can be dramatically reduced with things such as proper training and protective gear. The police motorcycle officer can sometimes be considered a drain on patrol resources if they need to make an arrest. They are not able to transport and will take additional resources away from patrol in times where departments are already facing manpower issues.
There are many benefits that will be discussed. Research will show police departments should utilize the police motorcycle to improve the overall effectiveness of their police department. The research will show that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Keywords
Motorcycles, Police vehicles