NCJ Number
191782
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2001 Pages: 76-79
Date Published
April 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the equipment and operations of the Sheriff's Community Action Team of San Juan County, New Mexico, which was established in 1996 to patrol hard-to-reach areas of the county.
Abstract
In such areas, many of the roads are nothing more than deep ruts; yet, despite the rugged topography, criminal elements still manage to make use of these areas. Theft and vandalism of gas wells, illegal dumping of trash, illegal off-road riding, uncontrolled parties, and illicit drug use in the hills are just a few of the problems faced by deputies. The Community Action Team uses dual sport motorcycles as the equipment of choice for patrolling such areas. The Kawasaki KLR 650 is a mix of a four-stroke, high-power road bike and a desert racer. Most of the officers on the team ride dirt bikes in their spare time. Officers are familiar with the trails and where they lead. They spend 60-70 percent of their time patrolling the hills while reserving the remaining time for patrolling neighborhoods. Officers are also used in traffic control at crowded public events. Each of the 10 team members must undergo an intensive 50-hour training course and recertify annually. The course teaches high-speed maneuvering, brake and escape, and traveling in dense traffic. Officers are selected for their riding ability, and they are tested on tight courses that require extreme coordination and balance, dirt riding, hill climbing, and high-speed maneuvering. Traffic control and vehicle stops are also part of the curriculum. The team has enjoyed an impressive safety record, with no accidents or injuries since its inception in 1996.