Motorcycle cop feels closer to public on his two wheels
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 5:54 am
Motorcycle cop feels closer to public on his two wheels
Thursday, November 2, 2006 - Airzona Daily Star - Tucson, Arizona - azstarnet.com
Owner: John Cammarano.
Occupation: Officer with the Tucson Police Department.
Age: 46.
Ride: 2001 Kawasaki 1000.
Back story: Cammarano has been with the Tucson Police Department since 1992, but has been riding motorcycles since 1979. He prefers working on a motorcycle over patrolling in a car, mainly for the freedom it brings. The job includes traffic control, tending to accidents and helping to escort the president. "Once you get on the bike, very few people leave it," he said.
After being accepted and completing five weeks of training, TPD motorcycle cops are required to qualify for the job once every three months with training and skills tests. They then virtually own the department's black, white and chrome motorcycles: They can take them home and are required to do typical upkeep like checking the oil and tires. They use TPD's two in-house mechanics for larger issues.
"It's my bike," said Cammarano, a motorcycle cop since 2000.
All eyes: Because they are more visible than officers in cars, motorcycle cops come under closer scrutiny from the public. "You've got to stay sharper; everyone sees you," he said.
With outreach like the Tucson Law Enforcement Cycle Show and Swap Meet on Sunday, Cammarano says he enjoys connecting with the public to show he's a human, too. "We're not all reflective sunglasses and boots," he said.
Other rides: He also owns a Victory Kingpin motorcycle, which he rides on the side just about every day. "That's my puppy," he said.
The experience: Upon startup, the engine doesn't roar like your stereotypical motorcycle. Cammarano said that's because of the stock tailpipes, but if a motorcycle cop wants to roll up to a scene in silence, he just kills the engine and cruises in.
Quiz the cops: The Tucson Law Enforcement Cycle Show and Swap Meet is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday on North Fourth Avenue between East Sixth and Ninth streets. The event is free, with vendors selling motorcycle goods and demonstrations by TPD's Motorcycle Exhibition Team. For a small donation, you can have your motorcycle tested by Victory Motorcycles' portable Dynamo. The event helps support the Special Olympics and TPD's Memorial Plaza. For more information, visit fourthavenue.org or call 808-4929.
Thursday, November 2, 2006 - Airzona Daily Star - Tucson, Arizona - azstarnet.com
Owner: John Cammarano.
Occupation: Officer with the Tucson Police Department.
Age: 46.
Ride: 2001 Kawasaki 1000.
Back story: Cammarano has been with the Tucson Police Department since 1992, but has been riding motorcycles since 1979. He prefers working on a motorcycle over patrolling in a car, mainly for the freedom it brings. The job includes traffic control, tending to accidents and helping to escort the president. "Once you get on the bike, very few people leave it," he said.
After being accepted and completing five weeks of training, TPD motorcycle cops are required to qualify for the job once every three months with training and skills tests. They then virtually own the department's black, white and chrome motorcycles: They can take them home and are required to do typical upkeep like checking the oil and tires. They use TPD's two in-house mechanics for larger issues.
"It's my bike," said Cammarano, a motorcycle cop since 2000.
All eyes: Because they are more visible than officers in cars, motorcycle cops come under closer scrutiny from the public. "You've got to stay sharper; everyone sees you," he said.
With outreach like the Tucson Law Enforcement Cycle Show and Swap Meet on Sunday, Cammarano says he enjoys connecting with the public to show he's a human, too. "We're not all reflective sunglasses and boots," he said.
Other rides: He also owns a Victory Kingpin motorcycle, which he rides on the side just about every day. "That's my puppy," he said.
The experience: Upon startup, the engine doesn't roar like your stereotypical motorcycle. Cammarano said that's because of the stock tailpipes, but if a motorcycle cop wants to roll up to a scene in silence, he just kills the engine and cruises in.
Quiz the cops: The Tucson Law Enforcement Cycle Show and Swap Meet is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday on North Fourth Avenue between East Sixth and Ninth streets. The event is free, with vendors selling motorcycle goods and demonstrations by TPD's Motorcycle Exhibition Team. For a small donation, you can have your motorcycle tested by Victory Motorcycles' portable Dynamo. The event helps support the Special Olympics and TPD's Memorial Plaza. For more information, visit fourthavenue.org or call 808-4929.