Proper Training Cannot be Overstated.
Street Survival Exercises.
Accident Avoidance Exercises.
and how to use the motorcycle for cover during a deadly force encounter.
Beyond the initial instruction, you will create a path to
success with a structured in-service program that ensures that these perishable skills do not dissolve; otherwise you’re setting the offi cers and agency up for failure. As a new unit, having the ability and experience to
simply be assigned. Having current motorcycle training and experience can be benefi cial but should not be a requirement. I have trained individuals with no previous motorcycle
experience as well as many with years of experience. Perhaps ironically, there have been examples when the fi rst-time rider is a better student, which resulted in a better operator. These following are my recommendations for choosing
potential motor offi cers: • They have a motorcycle endorsement prior to submitting an application
• Minimum of three years of law enforcement experience • Positive recommendations from their immediate supervisors • Outstanding attendance record • No discipline issues
DEDICATED TRAINING The importance of proper train- ing cannot be overstated. Unfortunately some police admin- istrators believe that simply having a motorcycle license is enough to operate a police motorcycle. It’s not. Outline the need and purpose for a basic school, provid-
ing a minimum of two weeks of instruction that focus in at least three areas: Cone Patterns allow the offi cer to fully understand and
control the motorcycle in slow, confi ned movements which has a daily practical purpose for an enforcement motor offi cer. Accident avoidance exercises provide the offi cer with the
necessary skills to react to a threatening encounter, including proper braking, counter steering and cornering. Street survival exercises primarily emphasize the impor-
tance of lane selection, how to approach an intersection and passing, yet should also focus on traffic stops, escorts
instruct your own school would be challenging, so it is recommend reaching out to your local law enforcement partners and discuss any training opportunities in your area. Just be sure that they are providing quality training to their officers rather than simply setting up cones and calling it training. Another police operator and instructor training option is provided by Harley-Davidson®
in partnership with Northwest-
ern University. In this program offi cers receive quality train- ing using police motorcycles provided by Harley-Davidson®
.
Any mechanical concerns or damage to the motorcycle during the school has no cost to the agency.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE Once a motor unit is approved, one of the most important decisions is which type of motorcycle to select. There is no perfect motorcycle; however the Harley-Davidson Motor Company has been dedicated to law enforcement with police motorcycles for more than 100 years. The company has developed a quality police motor- cycle designed for rugged operation in law enforcement. The company listens to its riders, and over the past fi ve years it’s incorporated changes based on motor offi cer input. American-made, Harley-Davidson®
Police Motorcycles are
designed, engineered and backed by the motor company. With more than 1,200 Harley-Davidson®
dealerships across the
World, obtaining service work is easy and convenient. Plus, the Motor Company has a dedicated police team that provides assistance to the agency, fl eet manager and motor offi cer. Good luck in your efforts!
JIM POLAN IS A THIRTY YEAR VETERAN OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND HAS RIDDEN AS A POLICE MOTORCYCLE OFFICER AT THE RANK OF OFFICER, SERGEANT, LIEUTENANT AND CAPTAIN.
SPRING 2012 | THE MOTOR OFFICER™ 15
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