Why Dont Motorcycle Cops Wear Gear

[bigred]

i asked one of the guys that was taking us in oklahoma city today and he said that theyre all given two sets of leathers there and it is up to them if they want to wear them or not. they said they usually dont cause 80% of the time theyre on the side of the road radaring people. it seems that the oklahoma highway patrol is the place to work. they are phasing out their HD's for all new busa 1300's. i wonder whats in oklahoma that they need to get there in such a hurry.

[Jon28]

Chime in ding!

To answer the question as to why not AGATT. Simply put Agency's policies and procedures. Which is determined by the agencies command staff (aka the brass----or in simple terms da cops wfth all da shiney metal pins on das shrtis). They say what the officers will and won't wear PERIOD! It's not a democracy it's a dictatorship mister! I'm AGATT kinda of person. But like everyone else here it's a compromise.....am I riding up the block to my friend's house or touring 1000 miles today, that will dictate how much gear I will wear.

I remember a day when I asked why they wouldn't buy ST1300's and I was laughed right outta the office. Want to know why? Because command staff all ride HARLEYS!!!!!!! Go figure. I will clue you in on something.....governement doesn't always make the smart or effienct decision. The only advantages to a HD are it's slower speed manuverability, noise for crowd control (yes the pipes are effective at something)., and it's ability to hold more red and blue lights. Otherwise the ST1300, FJR1300, and Goldwing and pretty much every other japanese bike are superior.

Motors (or police motorcycles) are generally used for traffic enforcement. They are also used for funerals, escorts, special details etc etc. They can access places much quicker than a patrol car....ie a fleeing felon on foot thur narrow streets etc. If there is a in progress call a motor can get there and be much more efficient in doing so. I think we should all be issued that $$$ motoport gear and the Olympia Phantom Suit for winter useage in hi-viz. This BS about recognizing the uniform quickly is just plain b.s. Why? Becuase in Florida alone there are so many different uniforms, badges, and patches who can say it's easily recognizeable. For example, St. Johns County has the following, green patrol uniform (standard polyester) with collor brass, green pants, another sewn bdu style green with sewn on brass and badge, white polyester for motors with green pants, white polyester for PSA (public safety aides--civilians who volunteer) with green pants, k9 wears an olive drab green BDU, beach patrol wears a cheap looking gray polo with a black badge and tan shorts. Folks this is just one county.....it's different everywhere......So my point is....make a badge tab (to attach a metal badge), agency patches, and a big bold "POLICE" on it and what difference does a hi viz suit make?

I think they still serve a purpose.....if for nothing else history and honor. Look at funerals done at Arlington Cemetary....the Army (honor guard detail there) still utilizes a horse drawn hurse setup. Why? History, honor, and to continue tradition and pride to the next generation. Some of the proudest moments of my career have been to "post-up" (escorting the hurse) next to the hurse in a funeral escort of a fellow leo. That is an honor that I will gladly accept anytime or anywhere. Then having the fallen leo's family come up and thank us (all motor officers) individually for basically doing our jobs, that is something I will never forget.

[Guest]

Visit Japanese Police on VFR

Visit Japanese police

I think some of you might interested in those videos. You can see why Japanese police are not riding on ST1300.

Polices in Tokyo or rich districts use VFR for their work, however, districts with lower budget are using Suzuki Bandit etc.

TimC's posting (#63) is a Japanese police bike.

Japanese motorcycle polices ware long sleeve jackets.