The History of the Bellevue Police Department Motorcycle Unit
The Bellevue Police Department purchased its first motorcycle in February of 1959. The years following consisted of a single motorcycle of various makes and models until 1994 when the Department acquired an additional motorcycle, of which both were now Harley Davidson Road Kings. By 2004, the Department Motors had grown to 3 Harley Davidsons Road Kings. In 2005, the Bellevue Police Department expanded the Motor Unit and switched to 6 Harley Davidson Electra Glide models and has maintained that number ever since.
The police motorcycles in Bellevue have been very useful over the years. They are used from early March until mid-November. The motorcycles have many uses such as; Traffic Enforcement, Dignitary Escorts, Parades, Funerals/Fallen Solider Escorts, and large equipment escorts. Some of the major events that the BPD motors are utilized in are; Arrows to Aerospace Old Towne Bike Race, Earth Day Run, Bellevue Community Celebration, Bellevue Barn Burners Run, Torch Run, Old Town Car Show, kids triathlon, Adult triathlon, Yellow Ribbon Run, Offutt Appreciation Day, Offutt Air Show, Arrows to Aerospace Parade, National Night Out, Mayors Drug Free Dance, Mayors Bike Ride to Work, M/S Bike Ride, Riverfest and the Veteran’s Day Parade. The motors have also assisted with almost every U.S. Presidential visit to the Omaha Metro Area since 1998.
The Bellevue Police Motor Unit is recognized in the metro area and Statewide for professionalism and training. Three Bellevue police officers are Northwestern University/Harley Davidson trained instructors, paid for on grants by the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety. Since 2005, the Bellevue instructors have trained over 150 students. The motor officers attend training monthly during the riding season to sharpen skills and work on any issue that may arise. The use of Police Motors has tremendously enhanced the department’s ability to provide police services in a city the size of Bellevue and have proved invaluable as a public relations tool in dealing with the public.
Information and Photos provided by the Bellevue, NB Police Department.