Published: August 04, 2006 11:45 pm      

Somerset police ready for motorcycle patrols

SOMERSET — As early as next week, the borough may be patrolled in part by a purring police motorcycle unit.

Borough police expect their Harley-Davidson Road King to arrive any day, Chief Randy Cox said, and Officers Stephen Borosky and Aaron Folton are ready to ride.

The new patrol will work on a six-month trial basis. After that, borough officials and police will decide whether to front $15,000 to buy the bike from Highland Harley-Davidson or return it at no cost.

“The trial period is a no-lose situation for the borough,” Cox said.

He estimated that, in a six-month period, the bike could save the borough more than $1,700 in gas, since the Harley gets 76 percent better gas mileage than the department’s cruisers.

It also will reduce the strain on the cruisers, he said, and give officers greater freedom in congested traffic.

The borough invested less than $700 in riding equipment such as boots and helmets and, if the unit becomes a permanent fixture, the two officers likely would undergo training.

“The whole thing about the trial period is that it gives us a chance to try it out, and save money at the same time,” Cox said.

In Conemaugh Township, where officers have been patrolling via motorcycle since June, Chief Howard Jackson said the idea is a strong fit for the area.

The department pays about $200 monthly in a two-year lease for its bike.

Jackson said the unit likely will continue “as long as we have an officer who is willing.”