Drivers may seem to have noticed a lot more APD motorcycles on patrol in Amarillo yesterday…but what they are really seeing is the same number of officers, but with much improved visibility.
Beginning Wednesday, APD Motor Squad officers are wearing a new piece of gear to promote visibility and safety. Their dark blue uniform shirts have been replaced with blue shirts that feature bright green shoulder, back, and chest panels, along with large silver reflective lettering on the back. APD motor officers attending a motorcycle skills competition saw other agencies using the high visibility gear, and photographs of officers shown side-by-side with officers in standard uniform shirts at night time scenes convinced them of the safety advantage of the shirts. This visibility advantage is why APD officers wear the reflective bright green or orange safety vests while out on traffic accident scenes.
In addition to the visibility, the shirts improve comfort for the officers. APD Motor Sergeant Wes Hill said “With the mesh material in the top of the shirt and the lighter color, the shirts are much cooler…and anything helps when you are sitting on the hot motorcycle engine, on blacktop, and wearing a dark pants and the high topped boots.” The Motor officers also wear a full coverage helmet with built in radio communication, superior for the officer’s safety but hotter than the half-coverage helmet worn years ago.
APD Motor officers are often first on the scene of traffic accidents, and are routinely assigned to direct traffic at accident scenes, as well as parades and other incidents on the roadway. Their motorcycles do not have the same visibility protection afforded by a patrol car’s size, color scheme, and roof mounted LED light bars. A common statement from drivers involved in accidents with motorcycles is “I didn’t even see the motorcycle.” With the bright shirts, motor officers hope to increase their visibility, prevent accidents, and keep all drivers aware that they are out there.
The photos attached show Sgt. Wes Hill in the new shirt and Crime Prevention Unit Cpl. Jerry Neufeld in the normal dark blue uniform, and allow comparison of the difference in visibility. Photo credit: Jennifer Torres, APD Photo Technician.
