News Articles for March 2005 of Motorcycle Police Officers - article listings from newspapers relating in some form to police motorcycle officers.

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Police Officers in the News - March
Here is the article archive of headlines that have appeared in newspapers around the United States which relate to police motorcycle officers.

03/04/05
Officer injured in accident on 2222 - Austin, TX
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An Austin police officer has been injured in a traffic accident on Ranch Road 2222 and West Slope.

Police say just before 9 a.m. a driver heading southbound on West Slope turned on to 2222 and hit the officer, who was on a motorcycle.

The officer was taken to the hospital with broken ribs and legs.... Read the full story.

03/04/05
Police set up sting at Hwy. 29/Trancas - Napa, CA
Near the corner of Trancas Street and California Boulevard, many motorists are tempted to turn left of off Trancas to the west of Blockbuster Video, making a quick cut into the Bel Aire Shopping Center parking lot without having to wait at the traffic signal.

Don't do it: It's illegal and could result in a $138 traffic ticket.

There are two sets of double yellow lines at the left turn pocket there, which are supposed to stop motorists just as a raised concrete barrier would, Napa Police Cmdr. Steve Potter said. "When we can spare the manpower, we will have our motorcycle patrol units in the Target parking lot enforcing the law. We will be issuing citations to those who cross the double double-yellow lines and turn left into the parking lot."... Read the full story.

03/05/05
Two charged for drug, gun possession - McAllen, TX
...After police responded to a disturbance at Nolana and 10th Street around 2 p.m. Monday, a witness to the rowdy behavior gave police a license plate number to a black Lincoln Navigator, and later, a motorcycle officer stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation at the intersection of Ware Road and 3 Mile Line, said Sgt. Joel Morales, spokesman for the McAllen Police Department.... Read the full story.

03/06/05
LAPD reserve officers become cycle patrolmen - Los Angeles, CA
The Los Angeles Police Department graduated its first class of motorcycle reservists on Saturday as part of a two-year pilot program to supplement the department's full-time ranks. Each of the seven reservists was handed a certificate along with a yellow rubber ducky -- a nod to the rainy conditions under which the officers were trained.

"This is a historical moment in the history of the Los Angeles Police Department," City Councilman Dennis Zine told a packed classroom at the LAPD's San Fernando Valley training facility. "These men are risking themselves, their lives, for your protection."... Read the full story.

03/06/05
The quest goes on for giant bass - St. Petersburg, FL
...There is Bob Crupi, a Los Angeles motorcycle cop who is the only person to catch two bass of more than 21 pounds, including the second-heaviest at 22 pounds, 1/2 ounce, a Quarter Pounder short of immortality. (Actually, to be official any record must exceed the old one by at least 2 ounces, but let's not quibble.)

Crupi's catches came at a price. According to Burke's book, Crupi spent virtually every nonworking hour between 1988 and 1994 on the water, usually at Lake Castaic, a California reservoir whose deep, clear waters have produced eight of the 25 biggest bass recorded. He would sleep about three hours in his truck every night after work, parked at the reservoir gate, jockeying for position with the regulars, all of them after the Florida-strain bass that grow enormous on a diet of state-supplied trout.... Read the full story.

03/07/05
Hometown hero honored after two tours in Iraq - Chicago, IL
...Vernice has always tested her parents. Before joining the marines, she worked as a motorcycle cop and played running back for a women's professional football team.

"I probably put every gray hair on my dad's head from me getting my motorcycle to, you know, wanting to be in the military. I know they're happy for me in whatever I choose to do and they totally support me 100 percent, and I feel comfortable in that and I just try to come back safe," said Vernice.... Read the full story.

03/07/05
Hit-and-run arrest aided by witness - San Francisco, CA
...The incident comes less than a week after the San Francisco Police Department announced the deployment of 20 extra motorcycle officers to help battle pedestrian injury and fatality accidents. The department also recently launched Operation Safe Streets, in which plainclothes officers pose as pedestrians at particularly dangerous crosswalks.

San Francisco is the most dangerous city in California for pedestrians and ranks fourth nationwide. Walk San Francisco, a local pedestrian advocacy group, says 850 pedestrians were injured in The City in 2003 alone, the most recent figures available.... Read the full story.

03/08/05
2 officers promoted to sergeant - Hattiesburg, MS
...Bounds has worked in patrol, on the NET team, as a K-9 officer and detective. Bounds fills the vacancy created by the death of Sgt. Antonio Moore, who died of a heart attack in January.

Fleming joined the department in 1998 and spent five years as a patrol officer before moving to special operations as a motorcycle officer. He moves to the sergeant position in that operation.... Read the full story.

03/09/05
Collision injures deputy, driver: Thrown from his motorcycle, the officer is flown by helicopter to a hospital. - Perris, CA
A deputy with the Perris Police Department was injured after his motorcycle collided with a car Wednesday afternoon, authorities said. Scott Ferlisi, a nine-year Riverside County Sheriff's Department veteran, was taken by helicopter to Riverside County Regional Medical Center in Moreno Valley, according to sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Earl Quinata. Read the full story.

03/09/05
Funeral services set for kin of Baldwin Park CHP officer - Pomona, CA
...It turned out the victims killed in that crash were Griffith's wife, Thip, and daughter, Khaley.

Griffith, 29, a California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer stationed in Baldwin Park, said he's seen his share of tragic car accidents, but seeing this one was overwhelming. "There's really no words to express how sad and hurt we are," Griffith said Tuesday.... Read the full story.

03/10/05
Wheel flies off car, injures CHP officer - San Diego, CA
...The officer's name was not immediately released. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital, said CHP Officer Brian Pennings.

Pennings said the motorcycle officer had pulled over two motorists for traffic violations. The drivers parked on the right shoulder with the motorcycle between them.... Read the full story.

03/10/05
Three men arrested in Stoneridge robbery - Pleasanton, CA
...The bandit fled in a blue Honda along with two other men — one of whom was also armed, police said. The victim memorized the Honda's license plate and notified police.

The Honda was spotted shortly after the robbery in San Leandro and was pulled over by a motorcycle officer, officials said.... Read the full story.

03/10/05
Island takes its hits over Moss escort: Criticism leveled at city, but Raiders picked up $1,700 tab for cop motorcade - Alameda, CA
The seven-motorcycle police escort new Oakland Raider Randy Moss received last week when he arrived at team headquarters here may have ruffled more feathers than the team's 2002 Super Bowl loss to Tampa Bay.

Colorfully worded complaints reached the ears of Alameda Mayor Beverly Johnson and Chief of Police Burnham Matthews in less time than it takes Moss to run a 40-yard dash.... Read the full story.

03/10/05
Trying to make the streets safer: Police sting nets 26 unlicensed drivers - Pasadena, CA
...The department conducts occasional driver license checkpoints to catch people without licenses. On Thursday, 14 motorcycle officers patrolled the city all day, concentrating solely on finding unlicensed drivers.

An unregistered vehicle or one with a expired registration tags is a sign of an unlicensed driver, George said.

Mills said there is no profile of the typical unlicensed driver. Some people have their licenses suspended for poor driving or failing to appear on a ticket, he said. Others are illegal immigrants who are not allowed to have driver licenses, he said. Read the full story.

03/10/05
Motor officer stable after crash with van - Hacienda Heights, CA
A Whittier police officer on his way home suffered a broken left shoulder when his motorcycle and a van collided Thursday night. The crash happened at 6:24 p.m. on Colima and Halliburton roads. Details of the collision weren't available. The crash is being investigated by the California Highway Patrol.... Read the full story.

03/11/05
Motorcycle Officer Injured In Crash With Car - Los Angeles, CA
A Los Angeles police motorcycle officer was seriously injured in a traffic collision Friday morning, police said.

The collision involving the motorcycle and a car occurred at 12:40 p.m. at Winnetka Avenue and Saticoy Street, said Los Angeles police Officer Grace Brady. The officer's injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, Brady said.... Read the full story.

03/12/05
Traffic cop reaches out to community - Napa, CA
Ray Urbano loves a challenge.

And he is taking on his biggest challenge by doing his part to prove police officers are people who not only enforce the law, but give back to their community as well.

Urbano, 49, is assigned to the motorcycle traffic enforcement division -- a job that gives him the opportunity to educate the public on traffic safety and ride a motorcycle, one of his life-long passions.... Read the full story.

03/15/05
Life term, no parole for killer of S.D. cop - San Diego, CA
...In a subdued San Diego Superior Court hearing, Williams was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the June 26, 2003, killing of San Diego Police Officer Terry Bennett.

Bennett, 38, a 13-year veteran who was a top motorcycle officer, was killed when Williams ran him over on an Encanto street. ... Read the full story.

03/15/05
Still a man's world: Event will familiarize women with law enforcement careers - Sacramento, CA
...Roseville motorcycle officer Missy MacDonald has been for the department for eight years and currently handles traffic duties. She said one of the biggest challenges isn't confronting suspects or filling the stereotypical tough-cop duties, but balancing the two with traditional women's roles that still play a part of life when the badge is off, and a woman goes off-duty.

"It's very difficult to juggle daycare and children and to turn off being a police officer when you get home," MacDonald said. "You're used to telling people what to do. Finding daycare can be especially challenging when an officer is tasked to work swing or night shift, as well as spending time with family on holidays or answering pages. Arresting people and keeping them under control is a relatively minor concern, she said.... Read the full story.

03/15/05
Police officer injured in freeway crash - Fontana, CA
...The driver pinned the motorcycle between his car and the freeway guardrail. He then took the Sierra Avenue offramp and tried to evade officers in a neighborhood along Slover Avenue west of Sierra. He shed some clothing to try and change his appearance, but police captured him, police said.

Cafaro's BMW motorcycle was purchased through an Office of Traffic Safety grant recently received by the Fontana Police Department. Read the full story.

03/15/05
Davis Police Buckle Down On Seat Belt Offenders - Davis, CA
...Seat Belt Compliance Day is one of several traffic-related projects being conducted by the Davis Police Department's traffic unit as part of the "safe streets project."

On Tuesday, officers assigned to the traffic division, which includes four motorcycle officers, and officers assigned to the patrol division targeted motorists who failed to comply with the state-mandated seat belt usage laws. As of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, more than 50 tickets had been issued.... Read the full story.

03/17/05
Laconia police officer recalled to active duty - Laconia, NH
...In anticipation of his departure, Oetinger and other LPD ranking officers have taken up Hubbard’s midnight to 8 a.m. shift and will probably continue to do so for a while.

Hubbard is one of the LPD’s motorcycle officers and was a field training officer before being promoted to sergeant in June 2002. Read the full story.

03/17/05
Still no charges filed in I-238 hit-and-run - Hayward, CA
...The July 22 crash killed Oakland police Officer William Seuis, who lived in Pleasanton.

Judge C. Don Clay, the Hayward courthouse's executive judge, was scheduled to give his nonbinding opinion Tuesday on the case against Carlos Mares, 39.

The crash happened as Seuis, who was in uniform and on his police motorcycle, headed east on I-238 near the East 14th Street off-ramp.... Read the full story.

03/17/05
Police receive grants for traffic safety -Oxnard, CA
...The Santa Paula Police Department is using its grant money to pay for a motorcycle officer and a new, custom-made bike for the officer.

It's been 50 years since the department had a motorcycle officer who focused on traffic, pedestrian and drunken-driving incidents, Santa Paula Police Chief Bob Gonzales said. Read the full story.

03/17/05
APD officer injured in crash - Albuquerque, NM
An Albuquerque Police Department motorcycle officer was seriously injured early Thursday afternoon when his motorcycle was struck by a car.

The accident happened in the intersection of Lomas and San Mateo just after 12:00 noon.... Read the full story.

03/17/05
Jackson police officer and alleged shooter killed - Jackson, MS
A nine-year Jackson police officer was fatally shot and the suspect killed Thursday afternoon after the officer apparently attempted to stop a stolen vehicle.

Thomas Catchings, 40, died from a gunshot wound to the abdomen around 4:40 pm. Thursday during surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. His alleged shooter, Omar Hampton, 18, of 5515 Shaw Road, was pronounced dead at 3:30 p.m. at the hospital. He was shot three times.

Grief-stricken officers and officials, including Police Chief Robert Moore and Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson, gathered at the hospital.

"Its a very sad day for us," Moore said. "Our prayers go out to the community and family."... Read the full story.

03/17/05
Jackson police officer and suspect killed in shootout - Jackson, MS
A veteran Jackson motorcycle officer and a suspected car highjacker were both killed in a shootout Thursday, authorities said.

Lt. Robert Graham, a police spokesman, said the officer, Thomas Catchings, who has been a member of the force since 1995, was shot in the abdomen. The officer was taken to the University Medical Center where he died shortly before 5 p.m.... Read the full story.

03/17/05
Officer Injured During Police Chase: Motorcycle Collides With Car In KCK Intersection - Kansas City, KS
...Officers received a call about someone stealing a motorcycle from a garage. Officers spotted the suspect's vehicle and chased him.

An officer on a motorcycle collided with another car while going through an intersection at 60th Street and Leavenworth Road.... Read the full story.

03/17/05
Officer Injured During Police Chase: Motorcycle Collides With Car In KCK Intersection, Kansas City, KS
...An officer on a motorcycle collided with another car while going through an intersection at 60th Street and Leavenworth Road.

A Kansas trooper said the driver of the car didn't see the motorcycle.... Read the full story.

03/18/05
Officers Mourn Catchings - Jackson, MS
...Most recently, Thomas Catchings was a member of the J-P-D motorcycle unit. Last year, he and his officers worked with the Make A Wish Foundation to fulfill Zayveous Brown s dream of joining the police force. Zayveous suffers from several life threatening illnesses.

Thomas Catchings put Zaveous on his motorcycle that day, and gave him a tour of the police museum.

Catchings' fellow officers say he was kind, caring and had a heart of gold

Williams says Thomas was a very kind hearted person. he would give all regardless of what time it is. He'd be right there. Read the full story.

03/19/05
Honoring an officer - Jackson, MS
Mississippi law enforcement officials said Friday that bullet-resistant vests are required equipment when working the streets but not while attending training sessions, where there is little threat to their safety.

But the circumstances surrounding Jackson Police officer Thomas Catchings' death Thursday are an example of how police can never feel safe, several told The Clarion-Ledger Friday, a day after a teenage carjacker gunned Catchings down.

Herman Tarrio, a fellow officer with the Jackson Police Department, said he and other officers know they are in constant danger and have learned not to take any situation lightly.

"A lot of times people use the word routine," said Tarrio. "There's nothing routine about it. I always feel like I'm in danger. You've always got to be on your Ps and Qs."

Catchings was not wearing a vest when he was headed home at 2:45 p.m. after a training session Thursday when he was flagged down by a citizen who had been carjacked. Shortly after Catchings spotted 18-year-old Omar Hampton in the stolen white Ford Mustang, the encounter turned deadly. Hampton fired at Catchings, hitting him once in the abdomen. Catchings returned hire, hitting Hampton three times.

Catchings, whom doctors said was bleeding severely, died at 4:40 p.m. at the University of Mississippi Medical Center during surgery.

Hampton was pronounced dead upon arrival at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

The nine-year veteran, who left a funeral home business in 1995 to join the Police Department, was among other motorcycle patrol officers who had spent their shifts doing motorcycle maneuver training at Legion Softball Complex on South Drive.

On Friday, Jackson Police spokesman Robert Graham said officers were still struggling to come to grips with the death of a fallen member of the force. He said the Police Department requires officers to wear body armor while in a patrol capacity, but he didn't know whether they will now be required to wear vests during training. Similar policies exist throughout the state.... Read the full story.

03/20/05
Loved ones remember slain officer - Jackson, MS
...Childhood friend Darrell Boarden said friends tried to discourage Thomas Catchings from riding motorcycles again, but that's what he liked to do.

"The opportunity to get to be a motorcycle cop, that was the ultimate," Boarden said. "He got to combine the action of police work with motorcycles, and that was right up his alley."... Read the full story.

03/21/05
Officer's funeral to be at Mara Hall - Jackson, MS
...Catchings' funeral will be at noon Thursday at Thalia Mara Hall, 255 E. Pascagoula St., Graham said.

Catchings, a motorcycle officer, died Thursday from a gunshot wound he suffered after attempting to stop Omar Hampton, 18, who also was killed, police said.... Read the full story.

03/21/05
Thousands protest two-year-old war - Boston, MA
...Police arrested seven demonstrators throughout the day on charges that range from disorderly conduct to assault and battery on a police officer. City Councilor Chuck Turner said in one incident, a police motorcycle backed into a crowd of activists, sparking a brief scuffle with protesters. Read the full story.

03/21/05
Wisdom of buckling up: Officer makes safety pitch to students - Whittier, CA
Whittier motorcycle Officer Howard Hibbler has seen plenty of traffic collisions -- and seat belts have played a role in most.

"I've seen scenes where everyone was dead and someone from the back seat went through the windshield because they weren't wearing seat belts," Hibbler told a group of about 30 Whittier High School students.

"And (I've seen) instances where everyone should have been dead, but they weren't because they were wearing seat belts," he said. "In those cases, the people walked away."... Read the full story.

03/22/05
Officer crashes on way to another officer's memorial - Seattle, WA
(subscription)
A Seattle motorcycle officer was injured Tuesday morning when her cycle went down as she was riding with a group at 97th St. and Aurora Ave. N.

Police say she was in the group of a half-dozen motorcycle officers headed to the memorial service for Harbor Patrol Officer Jackson Lone, who died last week.... Read the full story.

03/23/05
Westport driver charged in road race accident - Westport, RI
...New Bedford police said Detective Sgt. Victor Mendes was working the road race as a motorcycle officer, leading the runners along with several other police cycles and cruisers.

According to police, as the runners were heading west on Hathaway Road in the area of the Days Inns, a Chevrolet Corvette crossed over and attempted to enter the Day's Inn lot. Police said Sgt. Mendes struck the side of the auto. Sgt. Mendes catapulted over the car and landed under it, police said.... Read the full story.

03/24/05
Officer's funeral today - Jackson, MS
Up to 1,000 people are expected to attend today's funeral for 40-year-old Jackson Police officer Thomas Catchings.

Catchings, a nine-year officer, died a week ago following a shootout with a carjacker. His funeral is to begin at noon at Thalia Mara Hall on Pascagoula Street.

Anticipated speakers include Catchings' son, Thomas Catchings Jr., area ministers, friends, Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. and Police Chief Robert Moore..... Read the full story.

03/24/05
More than 1,000 attend slain Jackson officer's funeral - Jackson, MS
More than 1,000 packed Thalia Mara Hall in downtown Jackson today to pay respects to Jackson police officer Thomas Catchings, killed last week in a shootout with a carjacker.

People sang, laughed, cried and remembered Catchings as a man who loved police work and his family.

Catchings, 40, a nine-year Jackson Police Department veteran, was a motorcycle officer. He is survived by his wife Yolonda and six children.... Read the full story.

03/25/05
Dangers of motorcycle unit cited - Jackson, MS
Lt. Jesse Robinson of the Jackson Police Department's traffic division said organizing Thursday's motorcycle procession for slain officer Thomas Catchings was different than others he had done.

It was different than escorting notable out-of-town guests, such as movie stars, presidents, kings and queens, and high-ranking officials, he said.

This time, the unit was leading the way for one of its own.

"It will take some time to get over," Robinson said of Catchings' death. "Policing is dangerous alone, but you step on a motorcycle, and your percentage for something to happen goes up tremendously."... Read the full story.

03/25/05
Joining motorcycle unit Catchings' goal - Jackson, MS
Blue lights flashing on their motorcycles, 26 police officers escorted the silver hearse carrying officer Thomas Catchings' body to Thalia Mara Hall. A motorcycle enthusiast, Catchings always wanted to be assigned to motorcycle patrol. He got there, about a year ago.

Eight Jackson motorcycle officers carried their fellow officer's casket past police and firefighter honor guards as hundreds and hundreds of white-gloved officers and firefighters stood at attention and saluted him.

About an hour later, 25 motorcyclists, some wearing black leather chaps and skull caps, arrived to say goodbye.

"We're here because he was one of us," said Reed McAtee, a retired Jackson police officer and member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association.... Read the full story.

03/25/05
Colleagues, friends pay tribute to slain JPD officer - Jackson, MS
...More than 1,200 people sat shoulder to shoulder at Thalia Mara Hall in downtown Jackson on Thursday, bringing together family and friends of the motorcycle patrol officer. About 600 law enforcement officers from throughout the metro area and the South attended the nearly two-hour funeral.

Catchings, 40, a nine-year veteran of the department, died last week following a shootout with suspected carjacker Omar Hampton, 18, who also died.... Read the full story.

03/25/05
Motorcycle officers ask city for increase in monthly stipend - Fort Worth, TX
...The motorcycle unit, used heavily in traffic control, has 35 officers. Each receives $475 a month to cover the cost of owning and operating a motorcycle, said Capt. Harry Jones of the traffic division. Nearly all the motorcycles are Harley-Davidsons, he said.

The officers buy the motorcycles and pay for maintenance, oil and fuel; the city provides radios, speed-measuring lasers and emergency equipment, Jones said.... Read the full story.

03/25/05
Motorcycle Officers Keeping Lubbock Streets Safe - Lubbock, TX
...They're considered Lubbock's finest. Motorcycle officers training to hit the streets of Lubbock. They're already out there but once a month they get back to basics. "Out here it's controlled. They use their techniques out here, that way when they get out there, it comes natural," says Gutierrez.

These officers prepare for the challenge of maneuvering a 1,000 pound motorcycle from high speeds to low speeds. "But very few people can come out and take that big motorcycle and drive it really slow through all the maneuvers and courses we have to go through," says Sergeant Terry Knots.... Read the full story.

03/25/05
School offers valet service in bid to increase safety - Redlands, CA
..."We thought this is a great way to eliminate some of the traffic hazards in and around school,' said Derik Ohlson, a Redlands motorcycle officer. "The nature of the program is to make it safer for students and alleviate the congestion and parent frustration.'

Safety hazards such as double parking, unsafe backing up and kids weaving in and out of cars after being dropped off make Kingsbury Elementary School ideal for the program, officials say.... Read the full story.

03/26/05
Longview Officer Injured In Wreck - Longview, TX
A Longview motorcycle officer is hospitalized after being hit in a traffic accident. It happened on Judson road near Triple Creek road. Police say officer "Bill Howell" was southbound on Judson road when a car driven by 79 year old "Mary Neal" pulled out in front of him, hitting him on his side.... Read the full story.

03/28/05
Seattle Police Officer Injured In I-5 Crash - Seattle, WA
Seattle Police motorcycle officer is recovering at Harborview after being injured in a crash on I-5 Monday just before noon.

The officer was on his way to a reported police standoff in the Lake City area via I-5 north when he collided with another vehicle near the Spokane Street exit, according to Officer Sean Whitcomb with Seattle Police.... Read the full story.

03/29/05
Oregon soldiers return to Forest Grove - Forest Grove, OR
..."It didn't feel dangerous when the war in Iraq started, but I thought about that more and more the longer he was there," said Kate Korpi, 29, of Forest Grove, waiting for husband Tim, 43.

After a wait of several hours that seemed like eternity for some, the bus pulled in, greeted by Forest Grove firefighters on a ladder truck and led by a police motorcycle escort including Forest Grove, Oregon State Police and Washington County Sheriff's Deputies, all honking horns and blaring sirens.

After Matt Cook 40, of Forest Grove got off the bus and hugged wife Kim, he said he is glad to be in a safer environment. ... Read the full story.

03/31/05
Head out on the highway: Randolph County sheriff's department climbs aboard Harley-Davidson - Chester, IL
Randolph County Sheriff Fred Frederking began his description of the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles owned by his department by saying, "It sounds too good to be true."

It's easy to understand his disclaimer when he explains that the two brand-new Electra Glide Harleys that arrived about two weeks ago were given to the department free of charge.

It isn't a bribe and it isn't 100 percent altruistic, Frederking explained. Rather, the free Hogs are part of a Harley-Davidson program that creates a win-win situation for police departments and the legendary motorcycle manufacturer.... Read the full story.

03/31/05
Council concerned about motorcycle - Watertown, CT
...Police Chief Jack Carroll, who has been trying to fit a motorcycle into the police budget for years, said the "advantages outweigh the disadvantages."

"We're just trying to increase our ability to serve the town," Chief Carroll said. "This program is well thought out. People shouldn't just say 'no' when they don't understand what we're trying to accomplish."

According to Mr. Durso, a motorcycle enhances the police department's visibility, is more agile than a cruiser and can be used in situations a cruiser would be at a disadvantage, like heavy traffic or constricted areas. He also said it would be a "good public relations tool."... Read the full story.

03/31/05
Motorcycle officer loses control of bike - Pittsburgh, PA
A Pittsburgh motorcycle officer was taken to the hospital this morning after he lost control of his bike while trying to avoid a collision, police said.

The incident happened about 8:30 a.m. near the intersection of Forbes Avenue and Boyd Street in the Bluff, police said. Initial reports indicated that the officer was traveling on Forbes when he saw another vehicle approaching. Police said the officer may have misjudged how close the car was to him, and he and the bike fell over to the left. ... Read the full story.

03/31/05
Motorcycle Officer Injured In Broadway Extension Accident - Oklahoma City, OK
An Oklahoma City police officer was injured Thursday in an accident on the Broadway Extension.

Investigators said the officer was headed northbound on the onramp from Interstate 44 when his motorcycle crashed on the ramp.

The officer was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The extent of his injuries was not immediately clear.... Read the full story.

03/31/05
Cop to show just how tough he is: He's in training to compete in World Police and Fire Games - North Richland Hills, TX
(subscription)
...In July, the 17-year police veteran will put all his workouts to the test at the World Police and Fire Games in Quebec City, Canada. He'll compete in the 400-meter hurdles and a heptathlon-type event called the Toughest Cop Alive competition.

According to games officials, Officer Cleveland is one of about a dozen police officers and firefighters from Texas who will compete against more than 10,000 public servants from around the globe.

"Training is not always easy, especially on days when you're tired or not feeling good," said Officer Cleveland, who is a SWAT team member and motorcycle traffic officer. "You have to have a preparatory advanced level of training just to be competitive." ... Read the full story.

03/31/05
Memorial unveiled to honor fallen Deputy Ives - San Bernardino, CA
Flags flew at half-staff Thursday as dozens of people came to watch the unveiling of a memorial plaque for a fallen Rancho Cucamonga motorcycle officer.

They came to remember San Bernardino County sheriff's Deputy Ronald Ives, who was killed on duty Sept. 1 when his motorcycle was broadsided by a man driving a sport utility vehicle in Rancho Cucamonga.

"Ives lived up to the persona of a sheriff's deputy," said Jack Harris, Ives' pastor. "... He represented the finest things in our society."... Read the full story.