Boca Raton Police Motorcycle Unit Standard Operating Procedure PDF

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Standard Operating Procedure 41.11 MOTORCYCLE UNIT Revised: February 27, 2020 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to provide a description of the Department’s Motorcycle Unit and guidelines regarding the maintenance and use of Depa...

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Standard Operating Procedure 41.11 MOTORCYCLE UNIT Revised: February 27, 2020 I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to provide a description of the Department’s Motorcycle Unit and guidelines regarding the maintenance and use of Department motorcycles. II. PROCEDURE: A. MOTORCYCLES: 1. DESCRIPTION: a. The Department-issued motorcycle is a standard vehicle equipped with a law enforcement package used to enforce traffic laws and for patrol functions. b. The motorcycle is a single passenger vehicle limited to on road use only. c. Each motorcycle will be equipped with emergency lights, siren, and radar equipment. To assist in the transmission and reception of radio traffic, motorcycles will be equipped with a mounted (mobile) radio with speaker and noise reduction microphone. 14.02 d. Motorcycles will be marked so that the public can easily identify the vehicles. The chief of police or his/her designee must approve emblems or decals before they are placed on the vehicle. 2. AUTHORIZATION: a. Motorcycles will be used for traffic enforcement, escorts and special events. 14.02 b. The only persons authorized to operate a department issued motorcycle shall be those LEOs assigned to the Motorcycle Unit or approved by the Special Services Bureau (SSB) commander. 14.02 c. Unit employees must maintain at least an Exceeds Expectations rating in their performance evaluations. d. Motorcycle operators have the discretion to operate their motorcycles in the rain or at night unless otherwise directed by the SSB commander. 14.02 Effective: October 6, 2008 Revised: February 27, 2020 Motorcycle Unit SOP No. 41.11 Page 1 of 3 e. Motorcycle operators shall not engage in pursuits as per Departmental Standards Directive 41.225 Pursuit Driving. 14.02 f. The chief of police or his/her designee will approve all motorcycle demonstrations. 3. MAINTENANCE: 14.02 a. The motorcycle operator is responsible for the condition and maintenance of the motorcycle and will take his/her vehicle to a Department approved facility for general maintenance according to the manufacturer's specifications. b. The motorcycle operator shall inspect his/her motorcycle daily to make sure all equipment is functional and in safe condition. c. The motorcycle operator will check the oil level, tire pressure, and battery water (if applicable) weekly on his/her motorcycle to ensure safe operation. d. See Departmental Standards Directive 41.237 Department Vehicles and Vehicle Operations for further information on vehicle maintenance. B. MOTORCYLE OPERATORS: 1. SELECTION: a. LEOs shall be selected for assignment to the Motorcycle Unit using the Transfer Selection Board process for specialized positions, as outlined in the Agreement between the City of Boca Raton and the FOP. 2. LICENSING: 14.02 a. LEOs must have a motorcycle endorsement on his/her Florida driver's license prior to application to the Motorcycle Unit. b. Unit. 3. The LEO must be willing to commit to two (2) years in the Motorcycle TRAINING: 14.02 a. A new motorcycle operator will be enrolled as soon as possible in a certified 80-hour police motorcycle course. b. After completion of the 80-hour police motorcycle course, the new motorcycle operator will spend a minimum of 80 hours in training with an experienced motorcycle operator before riding and working assignments alone. c. After completion of the certified motorcycle course and following the 80 hours with an experienced motorcycle operator, the new motorcycle operator shall be limited to stationary radar enforcement and will not be involved in Effective: October 6, 2008 Revised: February 27, 2020 Motorcycle Unit SOP No. 41.11 Page 2 of 3 moving traffic stops, escorts, or group riding until their proficiency has been demonstrated and approved by the Motor Unit supervisor. d. Each certified motorcycle operator shall attend monthly training to maintain proficiency. e. 4. All motorcycle operators will be trained in traffic homicide investigations. EQUIPMENT: a. Each motorcycle operator will be issued the following special equipment: i. An ANSI and/or SNELL approved motorcycle helmet to be replaced as needed ii. Motorcycle collar emblems (Class A uniform) iii. One (1) pair of Black English riding boots biennially iv. Motorcycle sleeve patches that are to be worn on the left sleeve under the Department patch on short sleeve shirts, and approximately 6" from the left cuff on long sleeve shirts v. Sam Brown strap equipped with breakaway clips vi. Eye protection as required by FSS 316.211 for day and night riding vii. Black leather winter riding jacket viii. Black leather gloves: half finger gloves for summer, full finger gloves for winter ix. Four pairs of riding breeches x. Motorcycle rain suit xi. Black ascot and funeral braids. For safety, operators may wear ascots in place of a tie when wearing long sleeve shirts. xii. Three (3) training t-shirts. Motorcycle operators shall wear their Department-issued badge on their duty belt while wearing the training tshirt. Approved: Michele Miuccio Interim Chief of Police Effective: October 6, 2008 Revised: February 27, 2020 Date: Motorcycle Unit SOP No. 41.11 Page 3 of 3