The History of the Ocala Police Department Motorcycle Unit
Ocala Police Department bought their first motorcycle in July 1926, a fully equipped Harley-Davidson which cost $426.27, plus freight. The department later traded it in for a 1936 Harley-Davidson for $225.00 on an Indian Police Special motorcycle costing $485.00.
Motorcycles remained in use until the 60’s when they were used only (infrequently) for special duties and school crossing details. From time-to-time if you arrived late for work all the cars would be assigned and your punishment was to ride the Harley or a three-wheeled Cushman.
The current Traffic Enforcement Unit was formed by Cpl. Robert Brown on March 3, 1982, with a loaned Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The following year the department bought Kawasaki Police motorcycles causing quite a stir because we didn’t “buy American.” Currently six officers are assigned to the motorcycle unit and we ride BMW Police motorcycles “1200 RTP”.
Information and Photos provided by the Ocala, FL Police Department.