The Greensboro Police Department's Motorcycle Unit currently consists of two Harley-Davidson police motorcycles.
The officers are commonly referred to as Motor Officers, and are under the command of the Traffic Enforcement Division.
Officers assigned to this Unit operate the police motorcycles full-time from April 1st through November 1st (weather permitting).
They are also issued police cars to use when they are unable to patrol on their motorcycles.
The primary function of the Motorcycle Unit is traffic enforcement.
The secondary function is to respond to accident calls, in order to allow the uniformed patrol to focus on other duties.
Motor Officers are also responsible for serving as vehicle escorts, participating in parades, and attending special events.
Each officer in the unit is issued either a Lidar (laser speed detection device), or a hand-held radar device to use for enforcing speed limits while standing away from the motorcycle.
The officers focus on high accident areas, school zones, and problem areas where complaints are reported.
The motorcycles are also equipped with moving radar, so officers can enforce speed violations while operating the motorcycle.
Each officer assigned to the Motorcycle Unit must pass an intense two-week police motorcycle operations course prior to being assigned to the unit.
The training ranges from slow-speed maneuvers, to higher speed crash avoidance exercises. The unit participates in routine training exercises,
in all types of weather conditions, in order to improve their riding skills.
Deputy Chief Paul McGann Jr oversees the Motorcycle Unit.
