South Lake Tahoe, CA Police Department

The History of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department Motorcycle Unit

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department originally began a motor unit in 1972 and purchased two Kawasaki KZ 1000 police motorcycles.

South Lake Tahoe Police Department Motor Division was created in 2005 with the assistance of SLTPD Sergeant Shannon Laney, which included Andy Eissinger and SLTPD Officer Mark Allen.  The SLTPD bought two BMW RTP1200’s with funding received from a Prop 172 grant. Ofc. Allen and Sgt. Laney attended the Sacramento Regional Driver Training Facility (SRDTF) motor officer school in February, 2006, and began motorcycle patrol in July, 2006.  Ofc. Allen retired in late 2007, and Eissinger applied to the traffic division in February, 2008.  Eissinger attended the SRDTF in May, 2008, and began duty on the motor in June, 2008.  South Lake Tahoe Police Department are in the process of obtaining a grant to purchase one additional BMW RTP1200 motorcycle and training for one additional motor officer, and hope to have the additional officer on the new motor by summer 2010.

South Lake Tahoe Police Department absolutely love the BMW RTP1200’s, and couldn’t imagine riding anything else.  They have been reliable workhorses and a pleasure to ride. 

Sgt. Tucker on a 1972 Kawasaki 900 Police Motorcycles
1972 Kawasaki 900 Police Motorcycles
2008 BMW RTP1200 motorcycle
Training on the BMW RTP1200 motorcycle
Firearms Training on the BMW RTP1200 motorcycle
Traffic Enforcement
Traffic Enforcement

Information and Photos provided by the South Lake Tahoe, CA Police Department