Toledo police disband motorcycle unit
2/5/2018The Toledo Police Department is disbanding its motorcycle unit, authorities said Monday.
“After evaluating replacement costs, efficiency, and safety, Toledo Police Chief George Kral is disbanding the department’s motorcycle unit,” police spokesman Sgt. Kevan Toney said in a written statement on Monday.
Sgt. Toney said the department’s 10 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, purchased in 2012, needed to be replaced.
The unit has dropped to five officers after unspecified personnel changes. The move saves about $200,000 on motorcycles and new officer training, according to the spokesman. Officers will be reassigned to field operations and the traffic unit, effective March 1.
New motorcycles were estimated to cost $18,000 each with trade in, which accounts for $180,000 in savings for 10 motorcycles.Training for additional motorcycle officers is $2,000 each.
Additionally, it costs $12,000 a year to maintain the fleet of 10, according to the department.
“For safety, motorcycle officers were not permitted to engage in pursuits or respond to calls “code 3,” with lights and sirens, which limited their capability, the spokesman said. “Motorcycle officers are also more likely to suffer serious injury if involved in a traffic accident.”
The restricted use of motorcycles in the Toledo area because of climate was also a factor in the decision, Sgt. Toney said. The motorcycles will remain in storage and will be available for special community events.
Contact Mike Sigov at sigov@theblade.com, 419-724-6089, or on Twitter @mikesigovblade.