MPD officers graduate from Police Motorcycle Academy

On Sept. 19, 2008, three members of the Maricopa Police Department graduated from the Phoenix Police Department’s Police Motorcycle Academy.

Officers Rodger Clark, Cedric Randle and Garrick Ward completed the three-week long academy that certified them to operate a police motorcycle. The intensive three-week training included academic and practical applications of police motorcycle operations.

The officers had to show a high level of knowledge about Arizona traffic law, as well as an extremely high level of proficiency with the police motorcycle in a variety of riding skills both during daylight hours and at night.

These new motor officers will join the MPD Traffic Unit starting Sept. 22. With the graduation of these additional motorcycle officers, emphasis will now be on first and second shift operations, including DUI/Impaired driver enforcement programs.

The MPD Traffic Unit’s primary responsibility is vehicle traffic enforcement and accident investigations. In addition, traffic officers assist with all other law enforcement duties as assigned.

The MPD recognizes the accomplishments of these three officers and looks forward to their expertise in helping to maintain a high level of safety on the streets of the City of Maricopa.

Submitted photo