Motor Unit

The Salem Police Department has 8 officers assigned to the motorcycle unit or commonly referred to as the motor unit.

Responsibilities

Police Officers in the motor unit handle their calls for service, enforce motor vehicle laws, and on special occasions, are used as escort vehicles.

Function

The motor unit uses 4 Harley Davidson Electra Glide special police motorcycles and trains regularly in the proficiency of riding the motorcycle in their performance of their duties. The maneuverability of the motorcycle on crowded streets or off-road trails offers advantages not provided by other traditional police vehicles.

The motorcycles' relatively small size allows it to get to calls, such as accidents more quickly when traffic issues arise from motor vehicle collisions slowing all other 4-wheeled vehicles.