n Oklahoma County there were origi- nally four motorcycle Deputies when the motorcycle unit first hit the streets in 1997; however the MSU has been expanded to include eight full-time/ part-time Deputies and two additional auxiliary motorcycle Deputies bring- ing the total to ten. The auxiliary
Deputies work in the same capacity as full-time and part-time motor deputies and are called on whenever additional assistance is needed. In addition to focusing on traffic enforcement, the
MSU also participates in many community service projects throughout the year. Many of those commu- nity events include traffic safety awareness, parades, funeral services, dignitary escorts and community policing. Deputies applying for this unit must complete
20 THE MOTOR OFFICER™
a board interview and motorcycle aptitude test. After being accepted, Deputies must complete 80 hours of motorcycle operational training prior to performing official duties, eight hours of recurring training every month and advanced crash investigation. The Sheriff’s Office operates eight 2011 Harley-Davidson® Glide®
Electra Classic motorcycles with Decatur integrated
radar, L3 communications camera systems and Whelen lighting systems. The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office is commit-
ted to keeping the citizens of Oklahoma County safe on the roads. Over the past 16 years since the inception of the Traffic Safety Unit, the traffic crash rate has been cut by 92% and the crime rate has dropped by 87% in the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office juris- dictional area. Through traffic safety enforcement we are making a difference.