NEW UNIFORMS & MOTORCYCLES TO YIELD SAFER RIDES FOR CARY POLICE DEPARTMENT’S TRAFFIC SAFETY TEAM

Town expected to save 25%-45% long-term with motorcycle purchase

CARY , NC – As part of its ongoing commitment to safety and cost-effective service delivery, the Town of Cary ’s Police Department has rolled out new uniforms and motorcycles for its Traffic Safety Team.  Pictured here, the new uniform provides extra protection for the officers, and the BMW motorcycles feature safer handling, faster acceleration and smoother rides.

“Safety is our number one priority, which is why we switched to the reinforced uniforms and motorcycles designed specifically for law enforcement,” said Captain Tracy Jernigan.  “Of course, we’re also very happy that the motorcycle purchases are expected to cut our bottom line and save the Town money long-term.”

Designed especially for motorcycle riding, the new uniforms are equipped with reinforced nylon and pads to protect the officer in the event of a crash.  The jackets contain elbow pads, shoulder pads and back pads; the pants also have knee pads and hip pads built into them.  Full-face helmets offer more protection for the officer’s face and help decrease wind noise so that the officers can better communicate on their radios.

The new motorcycles are also expected to enhance the safety of the Traffic Safety Team, offering greater safety in braking distance and improved handling under normal and adverse driving conditions.  With a design made exclusively for use by law enforcement officers, the BMW units also offer faster acceleration and smoother manageability. Many agencies across the state have also switched to the BMW brand motorcycle including the NC State Highway Patrol.

Prior to the purchase of the new motorcycles, the Town leased Harley Davidson motorcycles at a cost of $21,200 a year.  In researching lease options available for the new BMW patrol motorcycles, staff compared a leasing versus buying option over a six-year period.  Based on conservative estimates, the Town expects to save 25 percent to 45 percent over conventional leasing terms over a six-year period – about $49,932.

The total cost of the four motorcycles is $90,296, and the total cost of the uniforms is $1,648.  The uniforms were purchased to replace the old uniforms.

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