TCPD MotorcyclesOur Motor Unit

The Traverse City Police Department's Motor Unit consists of five certified police officers. The unit rides Harley Davidson Police Road King motorcycles.  Each officer is trained through Northwestern Traffic Institute and/or Wolff and Associates. They are re-certified every year to maintain their riding eligibility.

Motor Officers' primary responsibilities are traffic control and accident investigation all while continuing to provide team policing to their respective service areas. The Motor Unit is a valuable tool in dealing with the increase in traffic volume during the summer due to the large tourism industry the area provides.  The Motor Officers can maneuver the motorcycles through the smallest of areas allowing them to respond to any situation regardless of the traffic or crowds.

The Motor Unit continually strives to connect our department to the public we serve.  Our Motor Unit is at an advantage when it comes to interacting with the community because kids and adults think the motorcycles are “Cool” and easily approachable which is evident by the number of photo opportunities given by the unit each summer. 

 

TCPD Motorcycles with Blue AngelOur Motor Unit has had the privilege of escorting many dignitaries that have visited our community:  President Gerald Ford, President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, President Joe Biden, First Lady Rosalyn Carter, Governors William Milliken, John Engler, Jennifer Granholm, and Rick Snyder.

Look for the Motor Unit each year at the National Cherry Festival during the many escorts they provide, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Our team supports the Father Fred charity ride along with rides commemorating fallen police officers through MI-Cops.  A highlight for our motor unit team members was when they had the privilege to visit the Police Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.     

The Motor Unit

  • Lieutenant Taylor
  • Sergeant Shea
  • Sergeant Homuth
  • Officer Metdepenningen
  • Officer Culver

To request an appearance or assistance from the Motor Unit, please contact Chief Matthew Richmond at (231) 995-5159 or email at mrichmond@traversecitymi.gov