Policy Text
GO 306.4 Police Motorcycles – Motors Squad Page 1 of 8 Rev. 01/24/23
GENERAL ORDER
306.4 POLICE MOTORCYCLES – MOTOR SQUAD
REVISION DATE: 01/24/2023
BY ORDER OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
SUNNY ISLES BEACH
POLICE DEPARTMENT ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE:01/24/23
PREVIOUS REVISIONS:
RESCINDS: All previously issued directives REFERENCE : 14.02M
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. PURPOSE .......................................................................................................................... 1
B. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................... 1
C. POLICY ............................................................................................................................. 1
D. ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORIZATION AND LIMITATION OF USE ............ 2
E. ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPENINGS ............................................................................. 3
F. ENFORCEMENT STRATEGIES .................................................................................. 4
G. USE OF DEPARTMENT MOTORCYCLES ................................................................ 4
H. INITIAL TRAINING ....................................................................................................... 4
I. IN-SERVICE MOTORCYCLE TRAINING ................................................................. 5
J. MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE, EQUIPMENT, AND UNIFORM ...................... 6
K. POLICE MOTORCYCLE INSPECTIONS ................................................................... 7
L. INCLEMENT WEATHER .............................................................................................. 8
M. RECORD KEEPING ........................................................................................................ 8
A. PURPOSE
The purpose of this directive is to establish guidelines and procedures for the maintenance and operation of the
police motorcycle and those members assigned to the Motor Squad. The use of motorcycles serves a versatile
purpose in police work. However, given the limitations of motorcycle deployment and the activities that can be
performed through the use of motorcycles, the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department will strive to meet the demands
of law enforcement and yet provide for the safety of the member/officer assigned to motorcycle duty. Therefore,
certain restrictions regarding deployment due to activities or weather shall be included in this directive.
B. SCOPE
This directive is applicable to all sworn members of this Department.
C. POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department to manage the operation and deployment of the
motor squad for the purposes of traffic enforcement, traffic crash investigations, dignitary escorts, and other such
services as may be necessary.
POLICE MOTORCYCLES – MOTORS SQUAD
Policy 306.4
GO 306.4 Police Motorcycles – Motors Squad Page 2 of 8 Rev. 01/24/23
D. ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORIZATION AND LIMITATION OF USE
1. The Police Motorcycle Squad shall be assigned to the Traffic Section. Members assigned to the Police
Motorcycle Squad shall be under the direct supervision of a motorcycle squad sergeant or designee. Police
Motorcycles are used because of their ability to easily move through traffic while enforcing traffic laws, which
enhances traffic safety and reduces crashes. The police motorcycle is considered a Special Purpose Vehicle.
The primary functions of the Police Motorcycle Squad include, but are not limited, to:
a. Selective traffic enforcement designed to prevent crashes and promote the safe, efficient flow of vehicular
traffic.
b. Investigating traffic-related complaints, including parking violations and other roadway hazards.
c. Participating in public relations activities and traffic safety education initiatives.
d. Community Policing Initiatives.
e. Providing assigned escorts as authorized in the “ Motor Squad Off-Duty and Extra-Duty Employment ”
Regulation Manual.
f. Performing general police duties, which may include answering non-traffic calls for service.
g. Performing other duties/assignments as designated by the Chief of Police or designee.
h. Motorcycle squad members shall not normally be assigned to radio calls by the dispatcher, except for
emergency backup of other members, situations as directed by the Squad Supervisor, or designated by
higher departmental authorities. Motorcycle Squad members shall not be assigned Signal 3 radio calls by
the dispatchers. However, under extreme emergencies, (e.g., officer shot, active shooter, serious traffic
crash with injuries, etc.) individual motorcycle officers may initiate Signal 3 responses on their own when
deemed safe to do so and following established guidelines.
2. Duty periods, to include working hours and days off, shall be predicated upon Departmental needs. Adjustments
in both duty hours and days off may be affected as required by special events or unique enforcement
problems.
3. The motorcycle is a single passenger vehicle limited to on-road use only. Members assigned to the Motor Squad
are prohibited from carrying any items that would create a safety issue for the rider. Additionally, passengers
are prohibited.
4. Motorcycle Squad members may patrol singularly, or in pairs, at the direction of their respective supervisor.
5. Motor Squad members are assigned an individually marked police motorcycle which may be utilized for extra-
duty assignments to include escorts and other approved functions as authorized in the “ Extra-Duty Employment ”
Regulation Manual. A current list of assigned motorcycles shall be maintained by the Squad Supervisor.
POLICE MOTORCYCLES – MOTORS SQUAD
Policy 306.4
GO 306.4 Police Motorcycles – Motors Squad Page 3 of 8 Rev. 01/24/23
6. Whenever possible, members shall store their motorcycle in a locked garage or other structure under the
member’s control.
a. If stored in any other manner (not in a secured structure), members shall take every precaution to ensure the
security of the motorcycle by using the locking mechanism and shall bring the motorcycle to the designated
Departmental storage facility for storage during a Hurricane Warning or severe weather.
b. If a motorcycle is left unattended, then the ignition, fork, and storage