Off-Road Motorcops
Richmond PD wins the foot pursuit with the power of Kawasaki 250 dual-purpose steel horses!
One of the most frustrating obstacles that I have dealt with as a police officer working the projects in Richmond, VA’s east end is exiting my patrol car into a high-crime area, swiftly and stealthily. The criminal element knows all too well how to use the inner walkways or “cuts” to conceal drug dealing and other forms of criminal activity, such as trespassing or unlawful carry of weapons. In my pre-Kawasaki days, more often than not, by the time I dismounted my police vehicle the word was out and anybody who was doing something they weren’t supposed to, had a chance to escape and dispose of narcotics, firearms or other contraband. This problem all changed in the spring of 2006 when I was fortunate enough to complete the Kawasaki 250 Dual Purpose Motorcycle Program.
The Richmond Police Department began the motorcycle program in 2005. This is the course that all police officers have to pass in order to operate the Kawasaki motorcycles. It is an 80-hour course based on the Northwestern University police motorcycle operator training program. The program for the Richmond PD is divided into two parts: The first part is learning the basics with the motorcycle itself and how to operate it safely in a street-like environment. No previous riding experience is required to get into or to participate in the program. Based on my experience, it’s better to have no riding experience. Many who carry in the baggage of having learned to ride the wrong way, bring with them enough bad habits to get into serious trouble. This program opened my eyes to the fact that my previous knowledge of bikes was just enough to get me seriously injured or worse.
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