LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Motorcycles have been used by the Michigan State Police (MSP) since the 1920’s. In fact, according to the website statetrooperplates.com, the MSP introduced an “expanded fleet of Indian and Harley-Davidson motorcycles” to highway patrol including in the winter (with the use of a sidecar). The website for the Michigan State Police Museum says that the motorcycles replaced horses as the standard vehicle for highway patrol.

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Almost 100 years later, the Michigan State Police has decided to cease using motorcycles and has disbanded their motorcycle unit due to safety and “operational” concerns. Since 2015, four Michigan troopers have died in the line of duty, two of them on motorcycles.

Motorcycles, unlike cruisers which the bike troopers will be assigned to, can get into places that regular cars can’t and according to an article from Mix 95.7 out of West Michigan, their usage is “sometimes vital in helping catch criminals or to access areas.”

The radio station discussed about the motor unit in Oakland county. They said, “The Motorcycle unit was initiated by Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard in 1999 has proven to be an asset both in law enforcement and community relations.” Because of its success, the unit was increased from 12 motorcycles in 1999 to its current fleet of 24 Motorcycles, making it one of the largest motorcycle units in the state.

They report that “The unit trains monthly during the riding season and participates in several motorcades for the President and Vice-President, as well as other political dignitaries from the United States and abroad. The deputies who make up the Motorcycle unit have all completed a rigorous 80-hour training course to maximize the use of the cycles and to keep the riders safe. Deputies enjoy the flexibility the motorcycles bring to any law enforcement situation and the public enjoys the way the bikes keep the officers accessible and in touch with the public.”

When asked about the disbanding of the motorcycle unit, Shannon Banner, MSP Public Affairs Section Manager said, “At present time, the department had greatly reduced its reliance on motorcycles, leaving just one unit assigned to our Second District Headquarters in Detroit because they are not as efficient as patrol vehicles, cannot operate year-round and due to the risk to riders. As policing continues to evolve and we work to make sure we are providing the best services while also safeguarding our members, the operational decision was made to disband this unit altogether given we can accomplish our mission using patrol vehicles and tactical bicycles, both of which pose less danger to our troopers.”

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told WXYZ ABC Detroit that the motorcycles are historically a valuable tool in the Sheriff’s Office. He said, “There are times when we work very closely with them and those assets are in play so we will have to figure out how to pick up that slack.”

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Anyone thinking they might get a deal on a used motorcycle at a police auction will be sorely disappointed. The motorcycles were leased and those leases will be terminated.