Policy Text
MOTORCYCLE UNIT
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/01/05 STANDARD NO. 060 REVISED: 08/06/18
REPLACES: N/A Rev.03/01/12; Rev. 06/05/18
OBJECTIVE: To establish criteria for the Motorcycle Unit of the Homestead Police Department
(HPD).
POLICY: It is the policy of the HPD to utilize the Motorcycle Unit (Unit) to ensure the safe
movement of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic within the City of Homestead.
SCOPE: All employees of this Unit shall be governed by the procedures set forth below.
I. GENERAL:
A. The Motorcycle Unit is specialized within the Uniform Patrol Division (UPD). Unit
members shall properly handle any situation requiring police response directed to their
attention. The Unit is especially concerned with preservation of life and property through
the prevention of vehicular accidents and enforcement of all state, county, and municipal
traffic laws.
B. The Unit shall be supervised by the Special Patrol Division (SPD) Supervisor.
Authorization for use in various situations will be given by the SPD supervisor or the
UPD Colonel or Captain. Officers and supervisors will report, via the chain of command,
to the UPD Colonel or Captain.
C. The number of police officers assigned to the Unit will be determined by the Chief of
Police.
D. The hours of operation will be determined by the SPD Supervisor of the UPD Colonel or
Captain, based on peak traffic activities, crash and infraction patterns, citizen traffic
complaints, HPD needs, etc.
E. The Unit’s responsibilities are as follows:
1. Traffic related law enforcement;
2. General investigation;
3. General police duties;
4. Escorts, race track events; and
5. Other special events as required or requested.
II. UNIFORM:
A. The Unit uniform shall be worn at all times while operating the motorcycle, except during
authorized training sessions and/or when authorized by a supervisor.
Motorcycle Unit – SOP# 060
B. The motorcycle helmet shall be worn with chinstrap properly secured while the
motorcycle is in operation.
C. Issued service weapon will be worn while operating the motorcycle.
D. Standard Day Summer Uniform:
1. Short or long sleeve, as issued
2. Motor britches, as issued
3. Motor boots, as issued
4. Leather gear, as issued
5. Helmet, as issued
6. Eye protection
7. Gloves, as issued
8. Rain suits
E. Standard Winter Uniform:
1. Long sleeve shirt, as issued
2. Motor britches, as issued
3. Motor boots, as issued
4. Helmet, as issued
5. Leather gear, as issued
6. Eye protection
7. Jacket, as issued (when required)
8. Gloves, as issued
F. Parade Dress Uniform:
Same as outlined in Standard Winter Uniform with the following additions:
1. Shoulder braid
2. Ascot
3. Gloves, as issued
G. Funeral Dress Uniform:
Motorcycle Unit – SOP# 060
Same as outlined in Standard Winter Uniform with the following additions.
1. Black shoulder braid
2. Black ascot
3. Black badge cover
III. ISSUANCE, CARE, AND STORAGE OF THE MOTORCYCLE:
A. Unit officers shall be assigned an individual motorcycle to be driven during duty hours.
B. The police motorcycle shall not be used for personal business, whether the member is
on or off duty.
C. Unit members may be required to use their assigned police motorcycles as their primary
police vehicle.
D. Unit members assigned a police motorcycle will be governed by the SOP# 040 – Take-
Home Vehicle Program.
E. When a motorcycle is driven to an officer’s residence, the motorcycle will be stored in
the most secure, weatherproof area available within the curtilage of the officer’s
residence.
F. Unit members on leave for ten (10) or more consecutive working days will store their
assigned motorcycle in the police motorcycle storage shed. Motorcycle keys will be left
with the Motorcycle Unit Supervisor or Uniform Patrol Captain.
G. Routine or emergency maintenance shall be performed by the contracted motorcycle
dealership.
1. Unit members shall not perform any type of mechanical or maintenance work on
any police motorcycle without the approval of the Unit Supervisor or UPD
Captain.