Pinellas Park Police Department

The Pinellas Park Police Motor Unit just participated in the 2008 Capital City Motor Challenge Rodeo. To view video and pictures of the event, click here.
The Pinellas Park Police Motorcycle unit was created in 2001 and is a part of the Special Operations Division. Barry Touart and Doug Weaver are the two officers assigned to the unit. The Motorcycles they ride are Harley Davidson, Police Road Kings. They have a 1620cc (103 cubic inches) motor. Prior to being assigned to the Motor unit, officers are required to attend a rigorous two week rider course and display an above average knowledge of traffic laws and regulations. Motor Officers are also required to attend 10 hours of training every month where they train together with other motor units from the Tampa Bay area.
	The motor unit is equipped with some of the most advanced equipment in the law enforcement field to assist them with their duties. Each officer has stationary and moving radar units as well as Laser/Lidar units to help identify speed violators. Traffic citations are prepared and written using a handheld computer and wireless printer. This affords the officer the ability to access state and national databases to check every person and vehicle that they stop. This also ensures accuracy and proper tracking of each and every traffic citation issued. Each motorcycle is also equipped with a digital video camera to record traffic stops and aid in the prosecution enforcement duties.
The motorcycle unit is primarily used for traffic enforcement and education. Motor Officers pro-actively enforce the traffic laws in an effort to make Pinellas Park a safer place for all people who traverse through the city. Due to its small size and maneuverability, the motorcycle can go places that a police cruiser cannot. This ensures a swift response through the heavily traveled roadways of the city and unlimited ways to observe traffic violations. Motor officers also investigate traffic crashes and assist with traffic direction when needed. Motor Officers primarily work day shift hours, however, they routinely change their shifts for different enforcement efforts.
In addition to enforcing traffic laws, Motor Officers participate in several special details and multi-agency traffic enforcement operations. Our motor officers ride in Pinellas Park's as well as several other cities' Christmas and holiday parades. The motor unit is also sent to various parts of the state to escort funerals, participate in special details or assist with charitable organizations. They have escorted various dignitaries including the President of the United States. As a member of the Special Operations Section, the motor officers are also assigned with other members of the unit to combat various social and criminal concerns in the community. These include narcotics/prostitution stings as well as, DUI enforcement and undercover operations.