Police officers have been riding motorcycles since about 1908. The Groton P.D. added a police motorcycle to their fleet in the spring of 2008.
The primary function of the police motorcycle is traffic enforcement, such as radar, traffic light or stop sign violations, and parking enforcement, but they will also respond to calls for service if needed. They are responsible for funeral escorts, parades, fireworks detail, and even some road race events in town.
The Motorcycle Unit will utilize a Harley Davidson motorcycle which is equipped with emergency lights, a siren, traffic radar, and other specialized equipment.
The motorcycle's relatively small size allows it to easily go places that a car cannot, such as the Rail Trail. It also helps it to get to accident scenes more quickly when incidents like traffic accidents slow down access by four-wheel vehicles. Motorcycles also consume less fuel than police cars, which saves costs for the police departments that use them.
Each Officer wishing to be assigned to the Motorcycle Unit must have a valid motorcycle license and pass an intense special training course in police motorcycle operations. This training consists of obstacle courses, motorcycle operating dynamics, riding in rough terrain, and emergency operation. These training evolutions are designed to provide the rider with the skills and confidence to operate the motorcycle in various environments and under adverse conditions.
Motor Unit Officers: