The Gustine Police Department has a new tool to utilize when it comes to keeping citizens safe.

Gustine Police Officer Eddie Gonzales has graduated from the Police Officer Standards and Training motorcycle academy, giving the Gustine Police Department their very first motorcycle patrol officer, according to Gustine Police Chief Ruben Chavez.

Gonzales started the course with six other officers from various law enforcement agencies and was the only one to complete it and graduate.

“Even for avid riders, it is extremely difficult to complete the POST mandated course,” Chavez said. “I have been through the course twice, once as an officer and once as a sergeant with the San Jose Police Department. Only about two to three students in a class of 10 will complete it successfully. It is very demanding to learn the skills to keep you safe — tight turns, brake checks, 40 mile per hour deceleration.”

Gonzales dedication to becoming a motorcycle patrol officer for the department was strong from the get-go. He paid for the program himself and did the leg work to get the department motorcycles.

“I was approached by Officer Gonzales, who was researching the possibility of getting some bikes donated by a larger agency that they were surplusing,” Chavez said. “Once he found an agency, he started the program. If an officer wishes to be a collateral motor officer, they must pay their own way as it is expensive and cost prohibitive for a smaller agency.

“We received two BMW RT 1150 police motorcycles from the Sacramento Police Department, Chavez continued. 

Gonzales will primarily be using the motorcycle for traffic enforcement and at special events like parades and festas.

“In general, motorcycle officers are more approachable,” Chavez said. “Also, when they work traffic enforcement, they can sit on their bike along a curb and watch for violators, whether its speeders or stop sign scoffers.”