Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/206367
VEHICLES Escort/parade Community policing When you have dignitaries come in, the motor unit can do the escorts themselves. Many departments have started motor units for traffic and developed them into units for escorts as well. "Motors also allow our agency to conduct dignitary escorts in a very effective, efficient and safe manner, with far less personnel than what would otherwise be required," says Deputy Randy Wiessinger, Dane County (Wisc.) Sheriff 's Office, Traffic Team/ Motor Unit/Honor Guard. "Our particular escort method is based on the same technique used in Washington DC by the US Park Police in that we are able to conduct an effective, safe and efficient escort with six to eight motors. Many motor units use a different technique that requires a great deal more motors, but still less personnel than if the same escort was done without motors." A motorcycle is very visible, much more so than a patrol car. Some departments just ride their motors into troubled areas and have them sit out in the open. "You can ride a patrol car through a community and it will be ignored. Ride a motor unit in there and they will notice," says MotorOne's Capps. "People pay attention to it. Motorcycles and motor officers are much more approachable, and you can really have an impact on the community. "Young children gravitate towards horse officers and motor officers," he says. "I would set up near the White House and kids would come up and I'd sit them on the bike and give them stickers, and their parents would ask me questions. It's a way to get people to interact. If you do this in a community that has issues, you will start to hear about what is happening in the neigh- borhood. 50 years ago the cops had a few block area and would walk it every day, we have gotten away from this, but we can do the same with motor units." Tactical duty Some departments are putting their motor units to work on tactical missions, like clearing out drug neighborhoods and more. "We currently use BMWs that have ABS and Traction Control," says Oklahoma State Police's Riddle. "We can use these motorcycles in more tactical uses in alleys and passages where vehicles can't go, since the BMW motorcycles are quieter. "Motors are still a very effective tool," he says. "It has helped me to respond to accidents where the interstate system is shut down. I have used my motorcycle to get through traffic to the scene or to help clear a path for ambulances. It also allows TIMERS The Lind T2 Shut Down Timer protects your vehicle battery from over-discharge, and protects communications and other sensitive equipment from low voltage and high voltage damage. INSTALL To learn how the T2 Shut Down Timer can work for you, contact Lind at 1.800.697.3701, via email at info@lindelectronics.com or visit us online at www.lindelectronics.com. The T2 Shut Down Timer turns off electrical loads at a preset time after the car engine is shut down. The timer has two outputs; each has its own time delay. Independent Time Delay Circle 50 on Reader Service Card 16 Law Enforcement Technology November 2013 Circle 51 on Reader Service Card www.officer.com Independent Time Delay