Caldwell Police to Purchase Motorcycle

The Caldwell Police Department is adding a motorcycle to its fleet.

The borough’s governing body agreed to use a portion of money budgeted annually for police vehicles to finance a motorcycle for the department at Tuesday night’s council meeting. 

A fully equipped bike will cost between $15,000 and $20,000, according to Caldwell Police Chief James Bongiorno.

The town should see a “huge” savings in fuel costs with a motorcycle on patrol, Bongiorno said. He said patrol cars will also experience less wear and tear.

Other benefits of having a motorcycle on patrol, according to the chief, include a rise in revenue due to increased traffic enforcement and the ability to get in and out of areas such as more easily.

One officer will be trained to use the motorcycle in 2012 with others receiving training in the future.

Councilman John Kelley asked Tuesday if the motorcycle would affect the borough’s insurance costs.

Bongiorno responded that it would have no impact on insurance.

The police department consulted with the municipalities of Essex Fells and Cedar Grove, which both have motorcycles on their fleets. 

The council voted 5-0 to approve the purchase of the motorcycle. Council President Richard Hauser was not present.