#THROWBACKTHURSDAY

#ThrowbackThursday #LASD 1913: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Motor Team The County of Los Angeles formed its first Motor Team in 1913. Harley-Davidson Motorcycles were used by the County and Sheriff’s Department before BMWs were introduced in the beginning of the 21st century. LASD’s formal Motorcycle Test and Evaluation Program was implemented in 2008.

The test, which is considered to be one of the hardest tests in law enforcement training programs, has become nationally recognized as a major source of information relative to the implementation of a motor officer program. The LASD Motor Unit patch, enriched with history and tradition, displays two aspects of the job. The arrow represents precision and the wheel means motion.

The patches worn by LASD Traffic Investigators show wings on the wheel. The wings symbolize swiftness, speed and danger of this job in other agencies. Motorcycle patrol units were introduced across the country in the early 1900s for the purpose of traffic enforcement.

Today, motorcycle patrol units are capable of diverse assignments and have proven to be beneficial in their ability to easily access traffic scenes on congested roadways. Motorcycle patrol units have also been called upon to conduct traffic safety presentations and are frequently used for dignitary escort and ceremonial duties. They also respond to emergent calls for service in the field. We would like to say a very special thank you to all of our motor deputies for being a constant source of information, protecting us from unsafe drivers, and backing us up in the field. Keep up with the great work partners, and ride safe! “Then” photo credit: LASD Museum.