History of the Chicago Police Motorcycle Unit
The Chicago Police Department boasts a long and prestigious history, starting as far back as the 1830s. The CPD predates Chicago as a city and remains one of the oldest police forces still in existence.
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Early History
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The Chicago Police Department was created on January 31, 1835 when the state of Illinois authorized the then town of Chicago to establish a police force. Within the year, Orsemus Morrison was elected as its first constable, heading a three-man force to protect the population of 3,200 civilians.
Officers on Motorcycles
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In 1910, the department added police motorcycles and boats to its motorized unit. This was two years after the introduction of three squad cars. Horse-driven patrol wagons, first introduced in 1881, were officially replaced.
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Chicago Park District
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In 1959, the formerly-competing forces of the Chicago Park District Police merged with the Chicago Police Department. This was followed by a modernization of the entire force by Superintendent Wilson, who pushed for an increase in motorized patrol. Wilson was also responsible for the official logo "We Serve and Protect."
Special Operations Section
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With the disbanding of the Special Operations Section in 2007, the dignitary protection unit was formed. Based from the O'Hare International Airport, it remains the only unit of the CPD to continue to use solely two-wheeled motorcycles. This unit, along with the mounted unit, is used during parades and other special events.
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References
- Photo Credit police motorcycle image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
