The Highway Patrol are specialized units part of the Highway District with the Transportation Bureau of the New York City Police Department . The Highway Patrol is primarily responsible for patrolling and maintaining traffic safety on limited-access highways within New York City . The Highway Patrol's other duties and roles include accident investigations, advanced driver and radar/laser speed enforcement training for NYPD officers, field sobriety testing at the various testing locations in each Patrol Borough, dignitary and parade escorts, hazardous material and truck traffic enforcement, anti-drag racing programs, and anti-terrorist checkpoints at key bridges and intersections in the city.
41-576: The Highway Patrol's origins begin in 1911 with the formation of the NYPD's first motorcycle squad, which was formed to meet the challenges of handling increasing traffic danger concomitant with the rise of automobile use. The unit—then simply known as the Motorcycle Squad—was enlarged as automobile traffic and speeding arose as major problems for the city, and in 1929, the unit was expanded to include armored motorcycles for use in anti-gang activities by
82-506: A firearm , and they are never permitted to make traffic stops. Auxiliary Highway Patrol officers wear the same uniforms as full-time Highway Patrol officers and patrol in marked Highway Patrol vehicles with AUXILIARY decals affixed to them. All applicants to this Auxiliary unit are required to have a minimum of five years experience as a patrol officer with the NYPD Auxiliary Police before they will be considered for
123-523: A 1-inch wide light blue braided stripe combined with a 1/2-inch wide reflective white stripe, as well as a "crushed"-style version of the NYPD's eight-point cap or a two-toned motorcycle helmet. Motorcycle or riding boots are worn whether an officer is assigned to motorcycle duty or not, excepting those assigned to Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Safety Unit details; Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Safety Unit officers wear regular black work boots or low quarters, cargo pants, jumpsuit, and nylon jacket. The Highway unit
164-428: A larger and more complex moveable light bar on the roof called "risers", which rise up into the air to promote greater visibility on highways and also to warn oncoming vehicles of the presence of danger or an obstruction. Highway Patrol RMPs are additionally equipped with Setina push bumpers to enable officers to push disabled vehicles off or out of a highway lane in order to smooth traffic flow. These vehicles also offer
205-495: A much stronger engine compared to regular NYPD RMPs. A Highway Patrol RMP is also distinguished from other NYPD automobiles by its "HWY" designation on the rear of the car followed by its command unit number; additional Highway Patrol stenciling may also be present across the front and/or the rear windshield. In addition to automobiles, the Highway Patrol continues to use motorcycles in its daily traffic duties; currently
246-540: A patrol officer in order to qualify for a position. Auxiliary Police officers must have five years of commendable experience as a patrol officer in the NYPD Auxiliary Police then may apply to transfer to the highway unit. In many ways, the elite status of this unit and its traditions are similar to that of the NYPD Mounted Unit . The NYPD Highway Patrol occupies an unusual position as a municipality-based limited-access Highway Patrol and specialized task unit in
287-930: Is a motorcycle used by police and law enforcement . They may be custom designed to meet the requirements unique of a particular use. Units that use motorcycles are often called motorcycle units or motor units , and police officers assigned to these units are known as motorcycle officers or motor officers . The maneuverability of the motorcycle on crowded streets offer advantages not provided by larger, more traditional police vehicles. The motorcycle's relatively small size allows it to get to accident scenes more quickly when incidents such as traffic collisions slow down access by four-wheel vehicles, and to access routes unavailable to other motor vehicles, such as narrow streets and footpaths . Police motorcycles are also used in police escorts for parades , funeral processions , motorcades , Olympic torch relays , and other events. Police officers have used motorcycles—primarily for
328-402: Is also one of only two units within the NYPD allowed to wear leather jackets, as these jackets are better able to prevent injuries from motorcycle crashes. Additional unique uniform features are the unit's use of a Sam Browne belt and shoulder strap, braided leather sidearm lanyards, an “arrow shaped” collar bar clip and a specialized summons book pouch on their duty belt. In addition, instead of
369-707: Is divided into four sub-units: Highway Unit #4 in Midtown Manhattan disbanded in September 2010 Highway Patrol also includes: In addition to the vehicular distinctions between the Highway Patrol and the general NYPD, there are differences in the uniforms as well. Aside from the Highway Patrol patch, Highway Patrol officers wear a uniform designed for both practical use and with traditional connections with motorcycle patrol duty in mind. In comparison with most NYPD officers' plain slacks or cargo pants, Highway Patrol members wear tapered motorcycle breeches with
410-429: Is primarily made up of Dodge Chargers equipped with Hemi engines and All Wheel Drive. There are also Ford Explorers , and Ford Taurus AWD Interceptors , in the vehicle fleet. The Motor Carrier Safety Unit utilizes Chevrolet Tahoe's and Traverses. They are not termed as " Police car cruisers " but rather as Radio Motor Patrol units (RMPs). Highway Patrol vehicles differ from more typical NYPD vehicles in that they feature
451-1023: The Harley-Davidson FLHTP Electra Glide, the FLHP Road King , the XL883 Sportster and the new XB12XP Buell Ulysses Police motorcycle. The FLHTP Electra Glide and the FLHP Road King are also offered as Fire/Rescue motorcycles. In 2014, the Los Angeles Police Department added the Zero Motorcycles MMX electric motorcycle to its fleet. The motorcycle was praised over the traditional bulky Harley-Davidson and BMW bikes for its stealth, low operational costs, immediate tactical advantage, and low environmental footprint. Police motorcycle A police motorcycle
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#1732790225592492-700: The Kawasaki Concours 14 is being modified and marketed for police use in some markets. In Germany, BMW Motorrad is the largest provider of motorcycles for authority use. In the United Kingdom, the most common police motorcycles are the BMW R1200RT and the Yamaha FJR1300 . Some police forces also use scooters within towns for parking enforcement, or special-purpose machines such as unmarked (covert), or off-road motorcycles. Of
533-447: The Kawasaki Concours 14 is being modified and marketed for police use in some markets. In Germany, BMW Motorrad is the largest provider of motorcycles for authority use. In the United Kingdom, the most common police motorcycles are the BMW R1200RT and the Yamaha FJR1300 . Some police forces also use scooters within towns for parking enforcement, or special-purpose machines such as unmarked (covert), or off-road motorcycles. Of
574-610: The New York State Division of Criminal Justice (DCJS) , Auxiliary Police officers are certified as "Part-Time Peace Officers without Firearms Training" by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services-Municipal Police Training Council and are registered as peace officers in the NYS DCJS registry of peace officers. At present, there are approximately 180 full-time uniformed members of
615-577: The United States . Only a few other cities feature a similarly elite unit, most notably Philadelphia and its Philadelphia Highway Patrol and Boston and its Boston Police Special Operations Unit . The nearby county of Nassau on Long Island also has a highway patrol unit within its County Police Department for patrol work on expressways in Nassau County. Suffolk County disbanded its highway patrol unit on September 15, 2008 and
656-605: The British manufacturers themselves, Triumph motorcycles, built at Meriden , were used by many British (including the Metropolitan Police ) and Commonwealth police forces until 1983 when the factory closed. From the late 1940s, Triumph was also, for a time, the choice of the Parisian police, a fact promoted in a factory-produced movie, It's A Triumph ! . The police version of the 650cc 6T Triumph Thunderbird
697-424: The British manufacturers themselves, Triumph motorcycles, built at Meriden , were used by many British (including the Metropolitan Police ) and Commonwealth police forces until 1983 when the factory closed. From the late 1940s, Triumph was also, for a time, the choice of the Parisian police, a fact promoted in a factory-produced movie, It's A Triumph ! . The police version of the 650cc 6T Triumph Thunderbird
738-627: The Highway Patrol uses Harley-Davidson Road Kings, and these are most prominently used when escorting visiting national or foreign dignitaries to New York, or when opening many of the city's parades. The NYPD has a volunteer unit of the Highway Patrol Unit. This unit is called the New York City Police Department Auxiliary Police Highway Patrol Unit . The unit is made up of trained volunteer officers who assist
779-603: The NYPD. In 1933, the unit expanded to include a formally designated "Grand Central Parkway Motorcycle Squad" for patrol on a limited-access highway. Until 1972, the unit remained primarily focused on the Motorcycle Squad, when in that year the motorcycle division was merged with the Accident Investigation Squad to officially form the Highway Patrol. The Highway Patrol patch was created, however, five years later in 1977. The Highway District
820-557: The R1200RT-P and R900RT-P. More than 225 U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the California Highway Patrol , have BMW authority motorcycles in their fleets of patrol vehicles. The new BMW bikes outperformed the aging Harley-Davidson fleet. Harley-Davidson has maintained a long relationship with police departments and law-enforcement agencies in some countries. For the 2009 model year, Harley-Davidson offers
861-422: The R1200RT-P and R900RT-P. More than 225 U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the California Highway Patrol , have BMW authority motorcycles in their fleets of patrol vehicles. The new BMW bikes outperformed the aging Harley-Davidson fleet. Harley-Davidson has maintained a long relationship with police departments and law-enforcement agencies in some countries. For the 2009 model year, Harley-Davidson offers
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#1732790225592902-618: The UK newspaper, Motor Cycle News reported Derbyshire's Chief Constable comparing these Triumphs very unfavorably to BMW, in particular, its anti-vibration engine mounts. Supported by an article in rival publication, Motor Cycle Weekly , this criticism was strongly refuted by the factory and Derbyshire eventually accepted evaluation of police versions of the new Triumph T140W TSS in anti-vibration mounts. Norton 's Commando Interpol and later Wankel rotary engine Interpol 2 motorcycle were used by some British forces until that firm's collapse in
943-570: The UK newspaper, Motor Cycle News reported Derbyshire's Chief Constable comparing these Triumphs very unfavorably to BMW, in particular, its anti-vibration engine mounts. Supported by an article in rival publication, Motor Cycle Weekly , this criticism was strongly refuted by the factory and Derbyshire eventually accepted evaluation of police versions of the new Triumph T140W TSS in anti-vibration mounts. Norton 's Commando Interpol and later Wankel rotary engine Interpol 2 motorcycle were used by some British forces until that firm's collapse in
984-609: The armed forces also grew, providing a stable production market for the more utilitarian machines, especially as Europe rearmed after World War I . As of 2004 police departments in the United States typically use purpose-built motorcycles marketed by Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki , or BMW Motorrad . Kawasaki police motorcycles , which were built for the US market in Lincoln, Nebraska , ceased production in September 2005. However,
1025-444: The armed forces also grew, providing a stable production market for the more utilitarian machines, especially as Europe rearmed after World War I . As of 2004 police departments in the United States typically use purpose-built motorcycles marketed by Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki , or BMW Motorrad . Kawasaki police motorcycles , which were built for the US market in Lincoln, Nebraska , ceased production in September 2005. However,
1066-585: The early 1990s. Other marques such as BSA were used by some forces, although only the Velocette LE "noddy-bike" model proved as popular with the police as the Triumphs. In 2008, BMW claimed to be the largest seller of motorcycles for authority use, as more than 100,000 BMW motorcycles were in official use in over 150 countries on five continents. In 2007, BMW sold 4,284 police motorcycles worldwide. BMW produces factory built police-specific models such as
1107-469: The early 1990s. Other marques such as BSA were used by some forces, although only the Velocette LE "noddy-bike" model proved as popular with the police as the Triumphs. In 2008, BMW claimed to be the largest seller of motorcycles for authority use, as more than 100,000 BMW motorcycles were in official use in over 150 countries on five continents. In 2007, BMW sold 4,284 police motorcycles worldwide. BMW produces factory built police-specific models such as
1148-491: The enforcement of traffic laws and as escort vehicles—since the early 20th century. Chief August Vollmer of the Berkeley Police Department is credited with organizing the first official police motorcycle patrol in the United States in 1911. However, several police forces around the country reported using motorcycles as patrol vehicles earlier. Harley-Davidson credits Detroit, Michigan as being
1189-412: The enforcement of traffic laws and as escort vehicles—since the early 20th century. Chief August Vollmer of the Berkeley Police Department is credited with organizing the first official police motorcycle patrol in the United States in 1911. However, several police forces around the country reported using motorcycles as patrol vehicles earlier. Harley-Davidson credits Detroit, Michigan as being
1230-558: The first purchaser of police motorcycles in 1908. The police department in Evanston , Illinois also purchased a belt-driven motorcycle for its first motorcycle police officer in 1908, and the Portland Police Bureau had a police officer who used his personal motorcycle to patrol the city as early as 1909. The role of the motorcycle as inexpensive public transportation evolved in the 1930s, and their use by police and
1271-429: The first purchaser of police motorcycles in 1908. The police department in Evanston , Illinois also purchased a belt-driven motorcycle for its first motorcycle police officer in 1908, and the Portland Police Bureau had a police officer who used his personal motorcycle to patrol the city as early as 1909. The role of the motorcycle as inexpensive public transportation evolved in the 1930s, and their use by police and
New York City Police Department Highway Patrol - Misplaced Pages Continue
1312-739: The full-time Highway Patrol officers by patrolling the highways , parkways and main thoroughfares throughout the City of New York . The officers in this unit are equipped with handcuffs , a straight baton , whistle , flashlight , reflective traffic vest , and a police radio that is directly linked to the Central Dispatcher , other Auxiliary Police officers, and Highway Patrolman. These officers are unpaid, and receive no benefits for their work. The main jobs for these officers are to assist disabled vehicles and to aid in traffic control responsibilities at accident scenes. These officers do not carry
1353-723: The highway patrol duties transferred to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office . The police highway unit was recently reformed, however, and has resumed its former duties in Suffolk County. Police motorcycle A police motorcycle is a motorcycle used by police and law enforcement . They may be custom designed to meet the requirements unique of a particular use. Units that use motorcycles are often called motorcycle units or motor units , and police officers assigned to these units are known as motorcycle officers or motor officers . The maneuverability of
1394-640: The job. In addition they must be qualified to operate Highway Patrol vehicles (except motorcycles). Auxiliary Police recruits must pass a 16-week "Auxiliary Police Basic Training Course" which is classified as "Part Time Peace Officer Training". Auxiliary recruits are required by the New York State Municipal Police Training Council to undergo and pass this training course before they become Auxiliary Police officers. The training given in this course includes training in penal law, radio use, unarmed self-defense including
1435-585: The motorcycle on crowded streets offer advantages not provided by larger, more traditional police vehicles. The motorcycle's relatively small size allows it to get to accident scenes more quickly when incidents such as traffic collisions slow down access by four-wheel vehicles, and to access routes unavailable to other motor vehicles, such as narrow streets and footpaths . Police motorcycles are also used in police escorts for parades , funeral processions , motorcades , Olympic torch relays , and other events. Police officers have used motorcycles—primarily for
1476-417: The service and ~20 Auxiliary Police officers within the Highway Patrol, ranging from Auxiliary Police Officer to Auxiliary Inspector. As with the NYPD as a whole, the number of officers within the unit fluctuates according to budgetary and political changes. Full-time officers must volunteer, be selected to join the Highway Patrol Unit, and usually must have between five and ten years of commendable experience as
1517-501: The standard regulation NYPD tie clip, many members wear a tie clip that has a miniaturized highway unit patch on it. The uniform and vehicle distinctions help give the Highway Patrol unit an elite look and prominent presence within the department. The combination of the crushed cap, riding boots and the blue "distinction lace" on the Highway Patrol Uniform is in direct opposition to United States Army traditions; i.e.,
1558-502: The uniforms worn by Highway Patrol are reminiscent of Cavalry, yet the blue is symbolic of Infantry. The color of the "distinction lace"—also known as "piping"—was switched from a black one inch band to the current blue piping under New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton 's first term, who initiated the change in order to emulate the Boston Police Department's motor unit. The Highway Patrol vehicle fleet
1599-402: The use of pressure points, self-defense with a nightstick, first aid, firearm safety, domestic violence, and arrest procedures. A written and physical exam is given at the end of training. All Auxiliary Police officers are required by New York State to pass an annual refresher course in the use of force with the nightstick, arrest procedures, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). According to
1640-631: Was nicknamed the SAINT, an acronym of "Stops Anything In No Time". By the mid-1970s, with industrial problems and closures affecting their spares supply and service, Triumphs and other British marques were increasingly replaced by the smoother BMW R80 (and to a more limited extent, Norton Interpols ) than by then-current Triumph police bikes. In an attempt to win back orders from BMW, Meriden marketed Triumph Bonneville and Tiger models of 750cc size with anti-vibration mountings as well as electric starting but these still only achieved limited sales success. In 1981,
1681-579: Was nicknamed the SAINT, an acronym of "Stops Anything In No Time". By the mid-1970s, with industrial problems and closures affecting their spares supply and service, Triumphs and other British marques were increasingly replaced by the smoother BMW R80 (and to a more limited extent, Norton Interpols ) than by then-current Triumph police bikes. In an attempt to win back orders from BMW, Meriden marketed Triumph Bonneville and Tiger models of 750cc size with anti-vibration mountings as well as electric starting but these still only achieved limited sales success. In 1981,