The History of the Lausanne Police Department Motorcycle Unit
he police of Lausanne started to use motorbikes in 1952. A permanent motorcyclist brigade has been set up on august 10th 1959, with three officers. This particular day, a storm hit the city, causing a lot of damages, and the motorcyclists were called all along the day to respond to emergencies. They were severely tested for their first day!
In 2009, the motorcyclist group celebrated its 50th birthday. Nowadays, the group counts 20 motorcyclists, 5 radar operators and one specialist officer in charge of taxis regulation. The missions of the unit are everything regarding security on the roads. Enforcing the rules of driving, setting up traffic stops and radar controls, responding in first line for car accidents. The motorcyclists also do escorts for personalities or special heavy convoys. They are also responsible for the street closures and deviations during sportive events, parades or street contestations.
Since it’s very beginning, the group used to ride BMW motorbikes. But recently, we bought some Suzuki to replace the BMW R 850 RT that is no longer produced. Now we have essentially some BMW R 850 RT and some Suzuki V-Strom DL 650 A. As we’re a city police, we don’t really need to have more powerful bikes.
Information and Photos provided by the Lausanne, CH Police Department.