Greenwood, Arkansas (November 05, 2008) Chief Keith Jackson unveiled today the department’s new motorcycle patrol unit that will enhance traffic safety and enforcement efforts. The unit is a comprised of two officers dedicated to traffic safety and enforcement; along with other duties such as funeral escorts, park patrols, and public events that help promote a positive image of the police department.

“Motorcycles give officers more mobility to maneuver in traffic. They are easily recognized by the public and have proven to be effective in traffic enforcement as well,” Chief Jackson said. “We anticipate that deployment of the new motorcycle patrol unit will cut down the number of drivers exceeding the posted speed limit and will ultimately reduce the number of accidents.”

The new unit will part of the Patrol Division said Lt. Will Dawson. “We’re moving in the right direction with our traffic safety efforts. We’ve seen a dramatic decrease in accidents on Highway 71 with just our presence, coupled with the addition of a new traffic control device; the motorcycle patrol unit is just a high-profile way to intensify our efforts throughout the corporate city limits of Greenwood.” Dawson said.

While the main goal of the unit may be to improve safety on the city streets, the costs savings can’t be overlooked. Motorcycles are cost effective, with an operating cost of approximately .10 cents per mile compared to a patrol car cost of .40 cents per mile.

The Motor Unit will be housed and operated out of the new Eastside Substation located in the newly completed Eastside Fire Station on Chismville Road. Jackson credits the Greenwood City Council for voting to implement the new unit; addressing such issues as rising fuel costs, increased response time to accidents and further enhancing the image of the police department. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Please contact Lt. James Flynn with any questions at (479)996.4119