CENTRAL FLORIDA IS HOME TO MANY MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND DRAWS OVER 50 MILLION VISITORS TO THE AREA EACH YEAR. SINCE OSCEOLA COUNTY IS CONSIDERED A TOURIST GATEWAY, THE RESIDENT POPULATION CAN DOUBLE ON ANY GIVEN DAY.


THE OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE was also established in 1887. It has a long-standing history of dedicated service and partnering with the community, and currently has 700 employees of which 424 are sworn. One of the agency’s top specialty units is its Motor Unit, which is part of the Special Operations Division. The Motor Unit was first established under Sheriff


K.O. Murphy in December of 1971 with one full-time Sergeant and Deputy. They rode two newly purchased 1971 Harley-Davidson®


Electra Glide® police motorcycles.


The current Motor Unit consists of one Sergeant and five Deputies, all full-time Motor Officers. The Special Operations Lieutenant, who is in charge of Aviation, DUI/Aggressive Driving, K-9 and Motor Units, rides part time, and the agency’s reserve program has one reserve motor officer. The Sheriff’s Office recently purchased seven 2013 FLHTP Electra Glide®


Harley-Davidson®


They are outfitted with the latest technology in LED light- ing and stage one performance enhancements consisting


of upgraded exhaust, air cleaner and fuel management components. The motorcycle’s custom decals and lighting package were designed with input from each member of the unit. The custom white color was picked by Sheriff Bob Hansell, now in his third term. Each motorcycle utilizes a mobile data computer and ticket printer in the rear radio box, and laser radar. Sheriff Hansell has always understood the value


of a good motors program and has supported the unit by allowing new training ideas, its expansion, and the purchase of cutting-edge equipment. Recently, he authorized the Motor Unit to develop a cross training program in order to create a pool of qualified riders to be utilized when other motor officers are training or on leave. Members of this pool will also be allowed to check out a motorcycle when available. This cross training initiative will greatly enhance the Motor Unit’s mis- sion which includes traffic, escort, parade, rider safety education and dignitary protection. The Motor Unit participates in at least three motor-


cycle training “rodeo” competitions every year. The unit also maintains a small training area located at its vehicle maintenance facility. The training courses are changed every month and the Motor Officers typically use them at the beginning of their shifts to warm up before starting their tour of duty. The Motor Unit periodically conducts a safety educa-


motorcycles.


tion program called Safe Motorcycle and Rider Tech- niques (S.M.A.R.T.). It consists of six different stations which cover all aspects of safe motorcycle riding, taking basic motorcycle endorsement training to the next level. The program is open to all civilians regardless of riding experience and has been a huge success in promoting safe riding and has been attended by area dignitaries and multiple civilian rider groups. To date, there has never been an open slot left in the class. The Motor Unit maintains an active relationship with


SPRING 2013 | THE MOTOR OFFICER™ 25


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