City To Revive Police Motorcycle Program With New BMW

On tonight's city council agenda:

The City of Lake Forest Park operated a traffic motorcycle unit from 2002 through 2018, spanning approximately 15 years and staffed by three dedicated motor officers during that period: Officer Kokesh (May 2002–January 2005), Officer Huston (June 2005–September 2012), and Officer Wingrove (November 2013–May 2018).

Following 2018, no eligible officer was available to assume the motorcycle assignment. Just under two years later, the pandemic significantly impacted department operations, resulting in the suspension of both the Traffic and K-9 assignments due to staffing constraints and operational priorities. 

This request does not seek authorization for an additional police officer FTE (full-time employee). An existing patrol officer would be assigned to the motorcycle unit. Patrol coverage would be maintained, with the added benefit of dedicated traffic enforcement. Motorcycle operations would be seasonal and weather-dependent; during non-riding periods, the officer would continue regular patrol duties. 

The department would purchase a BMW police motorcycle which is the industry standard. BMW police motorcycles are purpose-built law enforcement platforms offering superior stability, integrated safety technology, officer ergonomics, and electrical capacity for modern policing equipment. Their design enhances officer safety, operational efficiency, and long-term fleet reliability, making them a leading industry standard for traffic enforcement units.

Background

Police motor units offer significant advantages over traditional patrol cars, including enhanced maneuverability in traffic, faster emergency response times, and the ability to access confined or off-road areas.

• Improved Traffic Management & Enforcement: Motor officers can easily navigate through gridlock to reach accident scenes and are highly effective at enforcing traffic laws, such as speeding, due to their ability to blend in and quickly turn around.

• Operational Efficiency & Access: Motorcycles are more fuel-efficient and can access areas that standard patrol cars cannot, including narrow streets, sidewalks, and off-road terrain, e.g. the Burke Gilman trail, Horizon View Park, and the parks around schools.

• Faster Response Times: Due to superior maneuverability in high-density or congested areas, these units often arrive at calls faster than patrol cars.

• Community Policing Tool: Officers on motorcycles are often more approachable, creating better,more positive interactions with the public. Great for community events and outreach.

• Visual Deterrent: The public is aware that traffic motorcycle officers’ job is writing tickets. That awareness leads to less traffic violations when a motors unit is seen, and when pulled over, theexpectation of a ticket is much more likely.