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Responsibilities of the Certified Police Motorcycle Training Officer


P


olice Motorcycle Training is more than an 80-hour program. Successful programs are a combination of basic Police Motorcycle Operator Training (PMOT), field training for the new motorcycle officer, tactical training and re-certification. The importance of a Departmental Re-


certification Program and Tactical Train- ing have been well documented. However,


very little has been done for the new enforcement rider just out of motor school. A field training program is essential to his/her continued development. Departments realizing the necessity for successful completion of certified PMOT should also realize the importance of a field training program. An 80-hour PMOT Program can only teach very basic control and cannot approach the more complex skills required to be a safe, competent and productive motor officer. Field train- ing, immediately following PMOT, assists the new rider in gaining experience, knowledge and confidence to become a safe and effective motor officer. The field training should only be conducted by a Certified Police Motorcycle Instruc- tor/Field Training Officer (FTO).


The FTO must accept the following responsibilities: 1. The safety of the trainee is primary. 2. Developing effective motorcycle patrol and enforcement techniques.


3. Further development of riding skills and safety awareness.


4. Exposing the trainee to a maximum of riding conditions and environments.


5. Objective evaluation of the trainee. 6. Setting the example. 7. The importance of proper maintenance.


Before field training, the FTO should ride the


trainee’s motorcycle to ensure it’s in good operational con- dition and maintenance is current. If the trainee did not attend his own department’s PMOT, the FTO should access the trainee’s skill level before the field training begins. The assessment should include an emphasis on proper braking. The FTO should also establish hand signals or gestures to assist in nonverbal communication. Along with adjusting the controls to fit the trainee, the FTO should explain and demonstrate the following techniques: 1. Control and parking on grades and inclines. 2. Riding on and off curbs.


SUBMITTED BY GARY DEKINDER


3. Enforcement stops. 4. Code 3 operation. 5. Known roadway hazards (railroad tracks, uneven pavement, etc.), including riding to the areas of con- cern and discussing the issues.


6. Pair riding. 7. Department’s Motorcycle Policies and Procedures. 8. Putting the trainee through a motorcycle tactical course at the range.


The FTO should begin riding in the left wheel position,


therefore, the FTO is making the decisions. When riding single file the FTO should lead. As the trainee progresses, the trainee should ride left wheel position allowing the FTO to observe the trainee’s judgment. The FTO should pay special attention to: 1. Overtaking and passing traffic. 2. Lane changes. 3. Following distance. 4. Initiating and completing an enforcement stop. 5. Passing out of the normal path of travel (shoulders, etc.).


Night riding should be accomplished before the end


of the training period. These recommendations are the minimum criteria for a successful Field Training Program. The training should take 30 days. Thirty days allows the trainee to develop a higher skill level, while gaining experience and confidence. The higher skill level makes for a more productive, competent and safe Motor Unit.


Sgt. Gary DeKinder retired after more than 30 years with the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Sgt. DeKinder began his CHP riding career in 1970 in the Santa Fe Springs area. He also worked in the North Sacramento and Placerville areas. In addition to his field assignments, he was assigned to CHP’s Academy Motorcycle Training Unit on three different occa- sions. Sgt. DeKinder spent eight years as an Instructor, and five years as the Supervisor of the Unit. Upon Sgt. DeKinder’s retirement he joined Harley-Davidson®


Police and Fleet Sales.


Sgt. DeKinder is currently a Police Motorcycle Instructor for Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety. This article is based on Sgt. DeKinder’s experience and knowledge attained during more than 25 years as a CHP instructor, supervisor and Northwestern instructor. The opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policies, procedures or lesson plans of the CHP or Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety.


FALL 2013 | THE MOTOR OFFICER™ 31


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