CPM-Motorcycle Unit

Motorcycle Unit

The Cleveland Police Motorcycle unit first began as a bicycle unit known as the 'Sparrow Patrol' in 1903. At that time the streets were becoming crowded with both automobiles and horses. This squad was in charge of enforcing the automobile, bicycle, street and sidewalk ordinances. As traffic grew, the Sparrow Patrol traded in their bikes for a faster, wind-in-your-face machine, the motorcycle.

As early as 1911, motorcycles were recognized as an extremely effective tool for police work. The annual report at that time read, "Not only do they prove their excellence and efficiency in emergency situations when held at the station house... but in long stretches of our public highways also."