Motorcycle Patrol

A police officer with the motorcycleIn the summer of 2003, the Orleans Police department began leasing a motorcycle for patrol use. Selected officers completed an intense training and certification process that focused on the handling of the motorcycle in emergency situations.

In addition to speed enforcement, agencies have successfully used police motorcycles to conduct traffic light enforcement campaigns. Motorcycles can be assigned at busy intersections to monitor traffic light violations. The police motorcycle's surveillance of the area can be overt to maximize the visible deterrent impact or covert to maximize tactical objectives.

By their nature, high traffic areas can make it difficult to position a patrol car. Motorcycles, however, can be more effective at these locations due to the ease with which they can be positioned. Motorcycles can also assimilate into heavy summer traffic for enforcement purposes much easier than conventional patrol vehicles.