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Ballistics Testing for the Motorcycle Offi cer


HARLEY-DAVIDSON® POLICE MOTORCYCLES ARE NOT DESIGNED TO BE USED AS A SHIELD FROM GUNFIRE. HARLEY-DAVIDSON HAD NO INVOLVEMENT IN THE TESTING DESCRIBED IN THIS ARTICLE AND HAS NOT VERIFIED THE RESULTS IN ANY WAY.


Ultimate Cover T Davidson®


he appropriate knowledge and use of cover and concealment (C & C) techniques during a potential deadly force encounter could be vital to the survival of any law enforcement offi cer. Offi cers should learn various ways to shoot and move from C & C and identify what should be used for protection. Most offi cers know that a patrol vehicle will provide cover at the


engine block and wheels but other than those two locations and the type of weapon being used by the bad guy, the vehicle is simply concealment. In 1997 I wanted to learn more about the ballistic capability


of the police motorcycle and then possibly provide my results to motorcycle offi cers for continuous education purposes. Using various caliber weapons and ammunition I began testing, which included photos and video for documentation. I began with testing the motorcycle helmet and quickly


learned that it offers absolutely no protection. Therefore, if time allows remove the helmet in a violent encounter. It will serve no purpose and we have learned in scenario-based training that it reveals your position and provides a target for the adversary. I then conducted testing on the fuel tank from a Harley- police motorcycle and the rounds traveled


16 THE MOTOR OFFICER™ | SPRING 2013


through and through with no protection. The tank held approximately 2 gallons of fuel, and during this testing there was no combustion. Next I recovered a saddlebag from a Harley-Davidson®


police motorcycle and placed relevant items inside the bag to identify what a police motorcycle offi cer (PMO) would carry on a tour of duty. Small caliber rounds were stopped from exiting, however, many rounds traveled through and exited the other side of the bag. Obviously this testing left me with a concern and I


attempted to locate a complete police motorcycle to conduct further testing. Harry Walters, the lead motorcycle instruc- tor for the Institute of Police Technology and Management, received approval and a 1977 Kawasaki KZ1000 police motorcycle was donated to complete my testing. Working with academy staff and a few motor offi cers


at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Offi ce in Jacksonville, FL we fi red over 80 rounds from a .380 ball to a .223 armor pierc- ing round and nothing penetrated the motorcycle. We left all fl uids in the machine including fuel, and there was no combustion during our testing. The testing was captured on video identifying the type


and location of the round. We also placed targets behind the motorcycle to simulate a PMO to identify any potential strikes.


SUBMITTED BY JIM POLAN


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