Western District police officer Senior Constable Desi Amerikanos has become the second woman police officer to become a fully qualified operational motorcyclist in Tasmania Police.

Senior Constable Amerikanos, 25, who is currently stationed in Western District’s Road and Public Order Services, joins Constable Kristy Eyles, who was the first woman police officer to pass the motorcycle course in 2012.

“I feel proud to be the second female police officer to achieve such a feat in Tasmania police. I believe Kristy’s achievement gave me the encouragement to undertake the course,” Senior Constable Amerikanos said.

“I’m looking forward to being able to conduct my duties on the open road. Also look forward to surprising motorists when I take my helmet off and inspiring other female officers to get on the bikes.”

Senior Constable Amerikanos is one of 6 officers from all districts (3 from Southern, 2 from Northern and 1 from Western) to pass the 3 month motorcycle course which has allowed them to be full, unrestricted police motorcyclists.

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

“Course participants undertook both theoretical and practical training, including

manoeuvring, slow riding, city and suburban riding as well as urban patrols and intercepting motorists,” Sgt Hodgkinson said.

“As a result of the training, districts now 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) and they were 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.