MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Motorcycle officers are back on the streets of Montgomery.
The Montgomery Police Department has officially revived its dedicated motorcycle traffic unit, marking the first time the city has had one since 2017. The newly formed Motor Safety Unit is already on patrol and is expected to become a permanent part of the department’s traffic enforcement efforts. (https://www.wsfa.com)
The unit launches with five specially trained motorcycle officers whose primary mission is traffic enforcement, but police say their role goes beyond writing speeding tickets.
Police Chief James Graboys said proactive traffic stops often lead to arrests for more serious crimes, making motorcycle officers an important tool in the department’s broader public safety strategy. He added that the department hopes to expand the unit over the next 12 to 18 months. (WAKA 8)
Motorcycle officers have several advantages over patrol cars, including greater maneuverability in heavy traffic, quicker response times, and the ability to safely monitor areas where larger vehicles may have difficulty operating.
The announcement comes as Montgomery police report overall crime is trending downward, with violent crime, robberies, and property crime all seeing declines compared to this time last year. (WAKA 8)
For motorcyclists, seeing more bikes wearing police lights instead of club patches is a reminder that motorcycles remain valuable tools for both enforcement and public safety.