Boise, ID Police Department

The History of the Boise Police Department Motorcycle Unit

The Boise Police Department’s first motorcycle officer, Doc Roach, started work in 1916. A short time later, the Boise City purchased another motorcycle and hired an additional motorcycle officer. The department motorcycles were equipped with side cars which could be detached if necessary. The sidecars were especially helpful in the winter because of the deep mud officers had to contend with on the city streets. (At the time, few streets were paved in Boise.) The motorcycles were equipped with only a siren that operated off the back wheel. 

The Boise Police Department Motors Unit currently has 12 officers and 2 supervisors. They ride BMW RT1200P motorcycles.

1940’s
2009 BMW RT1200P
2014
2016
2017
2018

Information and Photos provided by the Boise, ID Police Department.