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VEHICLES Rolling thunder Motorcycle units go where cruisers can't. What's next in the evolution of motor patrol? Keith W. Strandberg M otorcycle units, or "motors" as they are known, have been around just about as long as motorcycles. Departments all around the world quickly realized the benefits of motorcycles in policing. In fact some departments have units that have been in operation for more than 100 years. The use of motorcycles by police, however, is in a state of constant change. Just because Department A has a motor unit doesn't mean that their duties, responsibilities and operational procedures are the same as Department B. While one department may use motors strictly for traffic control and VIP escorts, another uses fast sports bikes for high speed highway enforcement, while still another uses police bikes outfitted with weaponry for tactical work. By all accounts, the use of motorcycles in US policing is on the upswing as departments across the country rediscover the benefits of motor units. Tactics: Traffic and speed enforcement "The motorcycle for law enforcement is a fickle beast," Jeff Capps, president and owner of MotorOne, admits. The 2014 Harley-Davidson Road King Police Edition Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson 14 Law Enforcement Technology November 2013 www.officer.com A 1934 Harley-Davidson police motor in action.