Motorcycle Unit
Off-Highway Vehicles
The Sheriff’s Office Off-Highway Vehicle Unit has
the privilege of patrolling one of the most
famous off-highway vehicle trails in the world,
The Rubicon Trail. This year’s weather took its toll
on the trail. The trail season was a few weeks
shorter due to the substantial snow pack and
many considered the trail more difficult this year.
The shorter season and reduced traffic on the
trail led to less contacts and citations than in
previous years. Regular patrols with the two Jeep
Rubicons continued during high usage times
when groups of up to 500 off-road vehicles
participate in organized runs throughout the
summer.
Many of the personal contacts were trail users consisting of hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and residents who live along the trails.
New to the OHV Unit is the double car hauler giving the Sheriff’s Office the ability to move all necessary equipment from the office to the trail without wearing down the off-road parts of the vehicles. The trailer is saving time and money and had the honor of transporting Mr. and Mrs. Clause in the 2017 Hangtown Christmas Parade.
102 warnings were given to trail users for problems such as trespassing, alcohol related violations and illegal campfires. Four citations were issued for violations of off-road travel and resource damage. Every year the deputies that work this assignment assist with major incidents such as vehicle accidents and rollovers, lost or injured persons and fatalities.
The Motorcycle Patrol Unit is now in its second
year of enforcement along the Sacramento
Placerville Transportation Corridor and has
increased the number of staff and personal
contacts along the trail. The team is now
composed of nine deputies, logging 174 hours
of patrol time. Deputies made 255 personal
contacts, issued 20 warning, one arrest and
conducted investigations into theft, vandalism,
assaults, trespassing and other issues that come
along with illegal camping.
The Motorcycle Patrol Unit also works hand in
hand with the Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach
Team, identifying transients along the trail and
finding better living options for them.
The Motorcycle Unit can be found showing off
their 510cc dual sport motorcycles at various
community events such as National Night Out,
the El Dorado County Fair, Red Ribbon Week, Toys
for Tots and the annual Hangtown Christmas
Parade.
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