The History of the Tulsa Police Department Motorcycle Unit
The Tulsa Police Motorcycle unit can be traced to the early 1920’s and is currently staffed with 13 officers and two supervisors. The unit currently rides Harley Davidson Electra Glides. The primary function of the unit is traffic enforcement and the unit currently utilizes electronic citation machines.
In the history of the Tulsa Police Department four motor officers have been killed in the line of duty with the last death occurring in 1961. Current guidleines require candidtates to have a minimum three years on the department and then to successfully complete six weeks of field training. Members of the unit must maintain their status by qualifying on a quarterly basis. The unit is afforded at least one training day a month to work on riding and braking skills.
The unit over the years has utilized Harley Davidson and Kawasaki motorcycles. Harley Davidson motorcycles were the choice until the department shifted to the Kawasaki KZ in the late 1970’s. In 2005, the department returned to Harley Davidson motorcycles selecting the Electra Glide.
As mentioned the primary function of the unit is traffic enforcement with the unit issuing over 35,000 citations in 2010. Other duties include community relations programs, dignitary escorts and funeral escorts for fallen officers.
Information and Photos provided by the Tulsa, OK Police Department