Motorcycle Unit
OHV Public Comment Release 2023
The Sheriff’s Office is requesting authorization to apply for grant funds to offset the cost of enforcement efforts on public and protected lands in Sonoma County. This area is commonly used by off-road vehicles, campers, hunters and trespassers. Such areas are inaccessible to conventional patrol vehicles and pose a significant delay in response time. This additional funding, if received, will enhance the current Off-Highway Motor Vehicle (OHV) Team in acting as first responders to medical emergencies in remote unincorporated areas and provide the ability to enforce laws on public and private lands pertaining to off-road vehicle use, trespassing, possession and use of illegal firearms and garbage dumping.
The grant award, in an amount up to $100,000 and is being partially matched with $34,000. Grant funds will be used for reimbursement of salaries, benefits and overtime for law enforcement efforts in this isolated area of the county, along with materials and supplies such as emergency equipment and servicing of current equipment. Matching funds will be used toward the purchase of a truck and trailer to transport team members to incidents as needed.
The public comment period related to this funding commences on March 6, 2023 and ends on Apr 6, 2023. For further information or to provide feedback visit The California State Park's website for Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation.
The Sheriff's Office has three motorcycle units working within Sonoma County. The Deputies receive advanced training in law enforcement motorcycle operations. The Police Departments in the City of Sonoma and the Town of Windsor each have specially trained deputies assigned to the motorcycle. This is an assignment based on the "High Visibility" during peak times, where enforcement and education would be beneficial.
The motor units are working primarily as traffic enforcement officers in the two contract cities. Some of the officer's duties include the issuing of citations for speeding and other traffic violations. The officers investigate traffic collisions, perform abandoned/unregistered vehicle abatement, and enforce parking regulations. They also are responsible for DUI reduction and enforcement. There is also a deputy specially trained in the investigation of fatal accidents.
Deputies assigned to the traffic motorcycles are currently riding the BMW R1250RTP or Kawasaki Concours.
The Off-Road Motorcycle Unit works in the unincorporated area and is staffed with two sergeants and eight deputies and two alternate deputies. This unit is responsible for patrol of roadways, parks, and beaches throughout the county. The motor unit is assigned to crowd and riot control, search and rescue, crime prevention. They are also contracted for deployment at large-scale contract venues.
Deputies assigned to the Off-Road Motorcycle Unit are currently assigned a Suzuki dual-purpose motorcycle, ranging from 400cc to 650cc. Other duties for both motorcycle units may include the general patrol of an assigned area, investigations of felony and misdemeanor crimes. The motor units also participate in crime prevention activities at local schools. The motorcycle units are featured in parades, escorts, and other formal gatherings and serve as a valuable tool for public relations.
