Poland Village police begin motorcycle patrols

POLAND — With all the motorcycle experience that Poland village police officers have — 12 officers have motorcycle endorsements — it only made sense for the department to buy a motorcycle.

“There’s lots of motorcycle experience here,” Police Chief Russell Beatty said.

The motorcycle, which was bought with confiscated drug money, has been used since last year.

“It’s kind of a no-brainer, if you can buy it at no expense to the taxpayers. I wonder why more places don’t do it,” Beatty said.

He wants the department to have a second bike, which would also be bought with confiscated drug money.

The biggest benefit of the motorcycle, Beatty said, is its gas mileage. The Harley-Davidson gets 40 miles per gallon. He said after using the motorcycle for two entire shifts, it needed only a gallon and a half of gas.

“I can’t believe how much money this saves,” Beatty said.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com