BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Beginning Friday, June 9, motorist will see two new additions to the Blue Springs Police Department rolling through the City – motorcycles. The Blue Springs Police Department has added a Motorcycle Unit to their Traffic Enforcement Unit.
"This is one of the last recommendations by the Public Safety Task Force I appointed shortly after being elected Mayor in 2008,” said Mayor Carson Ross. The task force was comprised of former Blue Springs City Councilman and Vice Chairman of the Public Safety Citizens Advisory Board Emil Spears, former Jackson County Circuit Court Judge and present Blue Springs Prosecuting Attorney Vernon Scoville and the first Blue Springs African American Police Officer Greg Washington. Although it’s been a long time coming, I am proud to have another tool in our law enforcement toolbox."
The new Motorcycle Unit consists of Blue Springs Officers Bill Ely and Chris Myers. Both officers received over 80 hours of intensive motorcycle officer training.
“I want to thank the Blue Springs community for their support. This new motorcycle unit will be a tremendous asset to our department,” said Blue Springs Police Chief Wayne McCoy. “One of the greatest benefits of a motorcycle unit is the connection to the community. Several studies have shown that citizens feel more comfortable approaching a motorcycle officer for assistance. One of the reasons noted was that motorcycle officers are not hidden in a patrol vehicle. Citizens reported they feel motorcycle officers are part of the community because of their visibility and accessibility.”
Motorcycles are able to respond to calls for service or accidents where traditional marked cars are unable to gain access due to heavy traffic or crowds. The traffic accident congestion often makes response to accidents difficult, which leads to even further delays for motorists. Quicker response times also enhance communication between other first responders, medical, and other lifesaving support, which is crucial in serious crashes. The Motorcycle Unit will also be used for special events and traffic control for funerals.
The Blue Springs Police Department has 100 sworn officers and 40 civilian employees who work to provide the highest quality of police services to the Blue Springs community by promoting a safe environment through police and citizen interaction, with emphasis on integrity, fairness and professionalism.
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