Toledo police to bring back motorcycle unit

6/16/2011

It's been nearly eight years since the Toledo Police Department sent officers out on motorcycles, but toward the end of the year, residents will see some officers with a new ride.

Yesterday, the department put out bids for officers to apply for the motorcycle unit that, based on tentative plans, will have eight officers assigned to the detail. Based on the officers' contract, joining the unit will not change their pay.

The motorcycle unit officers will be used for special events and regular eight-hour shifts answering service calls, Chief Mike Navarre said.

The department is looking at buying 10 motorcycles for $200,000. Chief Navarre said he is considering using law-enforcement trust fund money for the unit.

Officers selected for the unit will take a two-week training course in September or October.

The bid states that any sergeant or patrol officer interested in the assignment must complete the bid by July 1. A minimum of three years with the department is mandatory, applicants must pass a preassessment evaluation, and must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license.

Officers selected for the unit will serve a one-year probationary period after the training course.

The department's motorcycle unit re-emerged during the 1990s, but funding for the unit was cut in 2003.