Since police departments don't typically have a large number of motorcycle cops, it can be quite time consuming to become a motorcycle cop.If you have a motorcycle license, you can apply for open positions in the motorcycle unit.If you don't want to be a police officer, apply for the police training program and try to get into the academy.Before applying for open positions in your department's motorcycle unit, you need to be a patrol officer for at least 10 years.You can be a motorcycle cop if you want to deter crime, enforce traffic laws, and attend special events.
Step 1: If you want to join the police academy, apply for a recruit position.
There are police training programs in the state or district where you want to work.Attach the application along with any other required paperwork.You need to complete a criminal background check and get a physical if you want to be a police officer.If you are a police officer, skip the steps.To become a police officer, you must be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate, and have a clean criminal history.Most departments do not require officers to have a college degree.The process is different from region to region.You may have to pass a series of interviews before you are accepted into a police academy.A patrol officer is a motorcycle cop.There is nothing special about motorcycle cop school.It is not considered a ranking position.A motorcycle cop can be an officer with a motorcycle license.
Step 2: For 3-6 months, attend classes at the academy.
You should attend the academy for 3-6 months if you are approved.Before the test for each class, study the laws, duties, radio signals, and responsibilities of police officers and review your notes.Training alongside other recruits will teach you how to grapple, pursue suspects, use your gun, and set up a crime scene.You need to be prepared for 3-6 months of hard work before you start the police academy.This is a competitive process and prospects can be rejected or kicked out of the academy at any point in the process, so work hard to graduate.
Step 3: If you want to be a police officer, you need to pass the final exam and the physical test.
After you pass your classes, you will take a final exam.The test takes 3-6 hours and looks at everything you learned at the academy.You will need to do sit-ups, pushups, and complete a 1.5 mile run in a given time to pass the physical test.To become a cop, pass your exams and complete a psychological evaluation.Before you can enter the academy, you have to pass a physical test.
Step 4: There is a dedicated traffic or motorcycle unit in the police department.
If you know your ultimate goal is to become a motorcycle cop, apply for openings with police departments that have a dedicated motorcycle unit.You can establish yourself as a reliable candidate early in your career by developing relationships with the supervisors of the motorcycle squad.A traffic unit is part of the police force.If there is a motorcycle unit in the department, it will be part of the traffic unit.Some departments do not have a dedicated traffic unit, but they do have motorcycle cops.If they are state police, traffic units are called highway patrols.Sometimes, the motorcycle cops are separate from the traffic unit and operate autonomously.Sometimes motorcycle cops can be found in specialized enforcement units.You can be hired after you graduate from a police academy.If this is the case where you live, apply to a new police force instead of staying at your current position for the first few years.
Step 5: You need to be a patrol officer for at least 3 years to get experience.
For your first 3 years on the job, you can't apply for a position in the motorcycle unit.As an entry-level patrol officer, you should spend your first few years on the force.Follow assignments as they are given, and stay on the beat.You should respond to radio calls, arrest suspects, interview witnesses, and back other officers up while you master your craft.A designation for new officers that means they are still being trained is the first 6 months on the force.
Step 6: Avoid accidents if you spend at least 3 years in a patrol car.
It usually takes at least 5 years in a patrol car before you are considered for a motorcycle post.Show up to work on time and perform your duties.A clean driving record shows your ability to stay safe on the road, so avoid accidents whenever you can.You will develop a reputation as a solid and dependable officer over time, which may lead to a motorcycle position.If you want to become a motorcycle cop, don't pursue openings in special units.The police department won't send a specially-trained officer on a motorcycle detail if you get trained as a narcotics officer, intelligence agent, or some other special type of officer.It may take more time to get on a motorcycle in a major city where the motorcycle unit is mostly ornamental.
Step 7: You need to get a motorcycle license in the state where you live.
You have to have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license if you want to be a cop.Signing up for a traffic class or training program will get you a motorcycle license.If you want to take a road test in your area, you need to apply for a learner's permit.You need to take the road test to get a motorcycle license.You can always get your motorcycle license after a few years on the force, because it takes a long time for police officers to move to a motorcycle unit.Before you can apply to be a motorcycle cop, you have to do this.
Step 8: Introduce yourself to the supervisor.
You will already know the supervisors if you are in the traffic unit and the motorcycle cops.You should introduce yourself before or after a shift at the police station.To begin building a professional relationship, shake each supervisor's hand and tell them who you are.Taking a motorcycle to work may be a good way to let the supervisors know that you can ride.
Step 9: If you want to join the motorcycle unit, let the supervisors know.
Asking the supervisors of the unit how you can join is the best way to get into the motorcycle unit.Ask to speak to the motorcycle unit's supervisors privately once you get to know them.If they seem interested in bringing you on, request to be transferred to their team.A simple "I'd like to talk to you about joining your team" is a great way to begin the conversation about becoming a motorcycle cop.Police officers move from the standard rotation to the motorcycle unit.Feel free to talk about wanting to join the unit since this isn't a promotion.You don't need to be coy about it.If your supervisors tell you there are no openings, don't pester them.You may have to wait since motorcycle units are small compared to other groups.If you know any of the motorcycle cops, ask them for training tips and advice to help you get into the unit.
Step 10: As soon as the job becomes available, apply for it.
You will need to apply for a transfer if the motorcycle unit is an autonomously divided division.You can write a letter expressing interest in the position and explain why you would be a good choice.Proof of your motorcycle license and letters of recommendation from your previous and current ranking officers are required.The documents need to be submitted to the superior to open the motorcycle unit.If the motorcycle unit is part of the traffic department, you don't need to apply.Your supervisor may be willing to let you ride a motorcycle.The letter should not focus on how much you like riding a bike.The duties of a motorcycle cop are what you should explain your interest in the position.I am dedicated to keeping the roads of this community safe and I believe in the importance of traffic safety.I think this mission will be easier on a motorcycle.
Step 11: If necessary, interview for the position.
You may be asked to interview with the motorcycle unit supervisor after you apply.Show up on time and answer the supervisor's questions if you are invited to interview.To help keep the public safe, express your desire to highlight your safety record and driving history.Give yourself the best chance at the job by addressing any of the supervisor's concerns.Most departments don't like motorcycle posts since it's more dangerous to ride a bike than drive a car.If there aren't many applicants and the supervisor knows you, they may give you the position.
Step 12: Become a motorcycle cop by completing your motor training.
You will spend the next 10-30 days training for the motorcycle unit if you are accepted.The rules, regulations and standard operating procedures of your new unit will be covered in this class.You will learn how to operate a police motorcycle, weave safely through traffic, and perform emergency turns and stops.If you show up on time every day, you will be able to complete the course.80 to 160 hours is the average for the motor training.Depending on where you live, you can work half-shifts for part of the day and attend class for the rest of your shift.You will be taken out of rotation in some departments.You may start out looking at videos of police motorcycles to learn how to ride, but you will eventually find yourself doing complex driving maneuvers.If your training feels dull at first, don't get upset.All motorcycle cops ride the same make and model.There is no control over what type of bike you get.In the United States, Triumph or Harley Davidson bikes are the standard model for every department.You will usually ride an electric or sport bike in Europe.
Step 13: As per your department, complete your standard duties.
The duties of a motorcycle cop are the same as those of an officer.Continue to follow the instructions given to you by your department.A typical police officer would respond to calls, pull over cars, and arrest suspects the same way.If you make an arrest, you need to request a patrol car to take the person to the police station.
Step 14: Enforce the rules of the road by pulling over speeding vehicles.
If you are assigned to focus on road safety, you should report to your post with a radar gun.Vehicles that speed or commit moving violations should be pulled over.Write tickets and make arrests.To keep an eye on the area and deter crime, drive your assigned path over the course of your shift.To be visible and deter crimes from occurring in the first place is a large portion of a highway patrol officer's job.All you do is ride your bike to let people know you are there.
Step 15: Assist patrol cars when they are on the radio.
Patrol cars sometimes call you to help them with something because of your ability to maneuver through traffic and take atypical routes.From setting up a checkpoint to investigating a scene for information, the range of your responsibilities will vary from call to call.You should respond to the call and help in any way you can.Motorcycle cops aren't allowed to do a lot of the things a patrol car does, like engage in chases, or follow vehicles over a long distance.Motorcycle cops are often used in an assisting capacity.
Step 16: By weaving through traffic, you can respond to crime scenes as fast as possible.
You may be asked to respond to an emergency call.If an officer calls for backup or you are asked to respond to a call, drive on the shoulder of the road to arrive as fast as possible.Do not take unnecessary risks, but do your best to get to the scene as soon as possible.Motorcycle cops are often called to get to crime scenes because of their ability to weave through traffic.While squad cars can get stuck in traffic or outmaneuvered, you can use your riding skills to beat suspects to a location, show up quickly, and provide backup without wasting time in a bulky squad car.
Step 17: Unless the suspect is violent, avoid high-speed chases.
If a vehicle refuses to pull over or the driver is on the run, don't chase the vehicle.Radio the position in, give an approximate description of the vehicle and suspect, and either follow at a slower speed or hand the call off to a patrol car.Since they are too dangerous on a bike, motorcycle cops are not allowed to engage in high-speed chases.For violent offenders, an exception is usually made.If you have to engage in a chase, pull off the pursuit as soon as a patrol car arrives and give the task to the car.
Step 18: Community outreach, special events, and parades are things to engage in.
As you are directed, show up to special events.You may be asked to ride in a motorcade or hang out in high-traffic areas to talk to the public.To make your department look good, show up ready to smile and chat with people, because these assignments are more about appearances than law enforcement.In a major city where public relations and community engagement are important, this is an especially common job.