Motorbike
This SOP outlines guidelines for motorbike units, emphasizing safe and effective operations during pursuits and routine patrols. It covers protocols for positioning, safety measures, and communication standards, particularly during vehicle chases, to ensure the safety of operators and the public.
Key Principles
1. Safety First: The safety of motorbike operators is the primary concern. Operators must evaluate the risks in every situation, especially during pursuits.
2. Communication: Effective and constant communication with dispatch and other units is critical to ensure coordinated response efforts.
3. Positioning in Pursuits: Motorbike units must follow specific positioning protocols in pursuits, depending on the type of vehicle being chased and the availability of backup.
A minimum of 2 other units must be on patrol before a bike can be used to patrol, and a maximum of 3 bike units can be on patrol at any given time, unless ordered by a Sergeant or above. A minimum of 3 units must be on patrol before a bike can be used to patrol.
Motorbike Unit Responsibilities
1. Patrol Duties: Motorbike units are responsible for regular patrols, traffic enforcement, and providing quick response capabilities in congested areas where cars may be limited in mobility.
2. Situational Awareness: Operators must maintain high situational awareness, recognizing potential hazards, such as road conditions, weather, and other vehicle traffic, and adjusting their behavior accordingly.
3. Coordination with Other Units: Motorbike units must coordinate closely with car units in pursuits and other high-risk situations, taking on specific roles based on circumstances.
Pursuit of Suspect Cars
1. Positioning:
a. Avoid Primary Position: Motorbike units should not take the primary (lead) position in pursuits involving cars due to the increased risk. Instead, they should maintain tertiary, or parallel positions, providing support and surveillance.
b. Tertiary, or Parallel Role: Motorbike units are assigned a support role to track the suspect car without directly engaging from the front, allowing safer tracking of suspect movements.
2. Backup Coordination:
a. Holding Position: If no other units are attached to the pursuit initially, the motorbike may stay with the suspect car until a patrol car arrives.
b. Transition of Roles: Once a car unit attaches, the motorbike should transition to a secondary or supportive position, allowing the car unit to take over as primary.
3. Safe Distance:
a. Maintain a safe following distance to avoid collision risks, especially in cases of sudden suspect maneuvers.
4. Communication:
a. Motorbike units must provide frequent updates on the suspect’s speed, direction, and any erratic behavior to dispatch and backup units.
Use of Deadly Force: a. The use of deadly force may be authorised on a suspect car if the vehicle intentionally tries to knock a bike unit at speed. This must be communicated by the rider to all other units over the radio, and it must be a last resort, the rider must make an attempt to break from the pursuit, but if this is not possible and the suspect car continues that is when Lethal would be authorised on the driver. Lethal would have to be agreed to by a Corporal and above, or if none of these ranks on scene, the Incident Command.
B. Police Batons: These are typically used by Law Enforcement Officers for self defense and controlling situations where Physical force is necessary. While riding ANY Police motorbike, Officers may use the baton if they encounter a situation where they need to defend themselves or others from physical harm. The use of a baton on a motorbike can be challenging so officers are advised to only use the baton at speeds of below 20 MPH when necessary. Officers are trained to use more effective methods to control a situation if possible
C. Firearms: As a police officer riding a motorbike, the decision to use a firearm to stop a suspect should be made with careful consideration of the situation and accordance with the departments General SOPs, Here is some general Guidelines to follow:
Imminent Threat: Use of lethal force, Including a firearm, may be justified if the suspect poses an imminent threat of death of serious bodily harm to yourself, other officers or members of the public. This can include situations where the suspect is armed and refuses to surrender or are attempting to use a vehicle as a weapon. Descaluation: Before resorting to the use of firearms, attempt to de-escalate the situation and use less-lethal methods and if possible Verbal commands Physical Control techniques or Tasers/batons
General use of a firearm on a motorbike: While in a situation where you are authorized to use lethals, You must not be actively shooting from the motorbike at any speed, Your bike must be stationary before you open fire on any suspects. It is not safe for the rider to be riding while shooting with the risk of falling off the bike by crashing. You should prioritize going to a safe spot where you have cover to protect yourself before opening fire.
Pursuit of Suspect Motorbikes
1. Positioning:
a. Primary or Secondary Position: Motorbike units may take either the primary or secondary position when pursuing another motorbike. This is appropriate due to their similar vehicle types and agility.
b. Proximity: Motorbike units can remain in closer proximity during a motorbike chase, allowing for effective tracking and control.
2. Communication:
a. Maintain regular updates to dispatch on the location, speed, and maneuvers of the suspect motorbike. Effective communication ensures that backup units can respond appropriately if needed.
Safety and Equipment
1. Protective Gear:
a. All motorbike operators must wear full protective equipment, including a helmet, gloves, body armor, and reinforced footwear. This gear should be inspected regularly for any signs of wear or damage.
2. Assessment of Weather and Road Conditions:
a. Operators should assess conditions at the start of each shift and during any pursuit. Rain, fog, high winds, and slippery roads significantly increased risk and may require alternative response strategies or pursuit termination.
3. Avoid High-Risk Maneuvers:
a. Motorbike units should not engage in high-speed cornering, sudden lane changes, or riding on sidewalks, especially when pursuing cars, as these maneuvers heighten risk.
4. Termination of Pursuit:
a. Motorbike units have the authority to disengage from the pursuit if conditions become unsafe. In such cases, the motorbike unit should communicate the termination and coordinate with other units for continued tracking.
5. Motorbike Limitations:
a. Operators should understand and respect the limitations of their vehicles, particularly regarding speed, stability, and maneuverability. Avoid high-speed pursuits on uneven or high-traffic roads.
General Conduct During Pursuits
1. Situational Awareness:
a. Remain vigilant to surrounding traffic, pedestrian areas, and potential hazards. Operators should anticipate changes in traffic flow, pedestrian activity, and suspect behavior, adjusting their positioning, as necessary.
2. Communication Protocols:
a. Keep all units and dispatch informed of pursuit status, including speed, direction, and any critical changes in the situation. Communication should be frequent, clear, and concise.
3. Pursuit Documentation:
a. After any pursuit, motorbike units must complete a detailed report. This report should include role, positioning, communication with other units, and any hazards or incidents encountered.
Additional Guidelines
1. Daily Vehicle Inspection:
a. Each motorbike unit must perform a pre-shift inspection, checking for mechanical issues, fuel levels, and operational readiness. Any issues should be reported and addressed before deployment.
2. Refueling Protocols:
a. Operators are responsible for ensuring that their motorbike has adequate fuel for expected patrol areas. Refueling should be done as needed during shift breaks.
3. Training and Drills:
a. Motorbike units must participate in regular training exercises to maintain skill proficiency in high-speed pursuits, evasive maneuvers, and communication protocols. By following these guidelines, motorbike units will enhance both safety and effectiveness during pursuits and routine patrols, ensuring successful operations that prioritize public and operator safety.
Unit Types:
The standard patrol bike is the BF400, this is a hybrid bike which has offroad and road capabilities. There can be a maximum of 3 bike units on patrol at any given time, The BF400 will need to be stored away if the maximum unit count has been reached and a different unit type is needed. A minimum of 2 other units should be on patrol before the use of any bike, unless a situation arises that a bike is necessary. These bikes can be used by those who have passed the main and first bike certification.
Offroad bikes include the Manchez as well as the 2 ATV’s. These bikes have specific uses, and should only be used when certain conditions have been met, these include:
a. A offroad vehicle is currently seen or being used on an active scene, these include bikes and cars which have offroad capabilities, such as lifted vehicles.
b. To assist in search and rescue or when a Code 6 is declared on a scene outside of city limits.
c. To assist in searching for and gathering recon on any drug plantations outside of city limits.
For an officer to be able to ride these bikes they must pass an additional certification which includes proper use of these vehicles and techniques on how to utilize them correctly.
The High Speed Pursuit Motorbike known as the Shinobi is built for pure speed and mobility. Specifically used for In-city pursuits and freeways against Hyper bikes. The Shinobi also excels in supporting against Top end luxury cars in parallel positions. The maximum number of Superbikes allowed on patrol is 1. Unless requested by a Sergeant or above. For an officer to use the Shinobi they must pass an additional bike certification.
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