Salt Lake City police officers train to make motorcycle squad

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department held its annual motor school Wednesday for officers interested in assignment to the Motor Squad.

The motorcycle squad is one of the most coveted assignments in the Salt Lake City Police Department. Aside from the fact that very few officers ever leave the squad, being accepted to the unit means officers must complete a tough driving test.

Several officers showed up for the training at Utah State Fairpark, 155 N. 1000 West. The purpose for the training is to make certain each candidate is able to operate a motorcycle under the various conditions required in police work.

Officers must traverse timed obstacle courses without hitting cones, as well as pass a braking exam. The overall proficiency in each of the exams must be 90 percent to pass.

The group is asked to participate in more than 300 special events per year on top of the hundreds of traffic incidents officers respond to during their regular course of duty.