If you see a pack of police motorcyclists out on the State’s roads this week, don’t be alarmed – members of the Road and Public Order Services are gaining some practical skills as part of a combined motorcycle and motorcycle instructors’ course.

Six officers from all districts (5 men and 1 woman) are undertaking the motorcycle course – if successful they’ll be full, unrestricted police motorcyclists in March.

In fact, the female police officer will become the second female operational motorcyclist in Tasmania Police if she successfully completes the course.

Course organiser, Sgt Nick Hodgkinson, said that in addition to the motorcycle course, 3 police officers – all experienced police motorcyclists from throughout the State – are undertaking the instructors’ course.

“Phase 1 is currently underway and runs until Friday. Theory topics including low risk riding, observation skills, steering techniques, cornering, braking, overtaking, adverse surfaces, slow riding, manoeuvring and escort riding are being covered,” Sgt Hodgkinson said.

“The officers are also undertaking many practical sessions including manoeuvring, slow riding, city and suburban riding as well as urban patrols and intercepting motorists.

“They’ll be out on the roads all over the State for the next week or so, travelling with the student instructors and directing staff.  All 11 members will most often travel in convoy and obviously attract a lot of public interest.”

Sgt Hodgkinson said that the students then complete Phase 2, which is a three month in-field assessment period where they consolidate their new skills and knowledge.

“During late February, they’ll return to the academy for Phase 3, which is another week, where they undertake on-road and manoeuvring assessments, which includes a statewide ride. If found competent at the end of this phase, they’ll then be recognised as full, unrestricted police motorcyclists.

“Once the courses are completed, each district will have further motorcyclists to draw on for motorcycle duties as well as having the in-field resource of an additional available instructor.”

Riding a police motorcycle is no easy feat – the motorcycle currently used by Tasmania Police is the BMW R1200RT-P – the unladen weight is 274Kg but with all the gear that’s needed, plus full fuel load, it weighs closer to 300Kg.

“The bikes usually carry breath tester, radio and communications system, automatic vehicle locator, mobile radar, handheld laser, tint tester, oral fluid test, tablet/computer, and RBT equipment,” Sgt Hodgkinson said.

“All participants have to be able to reinvert a dropped motorcycle from its side (ie lift it back up if it’s fallen over) so they’ll be given special training in this technique.”

The motorcycles are an important asset to Tasmania Police, assisting with supporting road safety strategies, manoeuvring in traffic congestion, public event management, dignitary escorts and ceremonial duties.

Media please note:

Sgt Hodgkinson will be available for interview at the Tasmania Police Academy at 3pm today (Tuesday 29 November). Course participants with their motorcycles will be available for visual media opportunities.

Media are requested to meet at the Academy reception.