U-M Public Safety rolls out motor unit

ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added two police motorcycles to its array of safety and security services. Four police officers will be assigned to the motor unit, which will commence campus patrols today (April 1).

"The establishment of the motor unit program is intended to accomplish three things," said William Bess, director of DPS. "It will expand our mobile patrol capabilities, especially during times of heavy traffic on and around campus. It will help reduce our motorized patrol costs, particularly due to the higher fuel mileage and lower vehicle costs. And it provides another specialty opportunity for increased training of our officers, thus providing enhanced skills and knowledge in our delivery of safety and security services to the University."

Four DPS police officers were selected for the motor unit. They (and their years of service with DPS) are Brent Carriveau (nine years), Theo Chalogianis (five years), Garry Veld (three years) and Akin Bryant (three years). Last fall, the officers completed 80 hours of specialized motorcycle training with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Police Motorcycle Course.

"The motorcycles will allow our police officers greater access to controlled spaces on our campus, such as malls and plazas, when responding to emergencies," said Capt. Joe Piersante, commander of DPS police services. "They especially will be helpful when working with large crowds, such as football games and special events, as well as enhance our services when providing dignitary protection."

The motorcycles were leased through a special program Harley-Davidson offers to police agencies. Complete with additional police equipment, each of the units was leased for $350 during the first year.

"These motorcycles each are valued at more than $15,000," said Piersante. "So not only are we receiving a lot of equipment for very little cost, but the lease is considerably less than we would have to pay to lease an additional, fully equipped patrol car. Maintenance and fuel costs for the motor units also will be considerably less, thus helping us continue to provide a high level of security services to the University while continuing to reduce our budget expenses."

Carriveau and Chalogianis are U-M graduates. Carriveau also serves as a paramedic with Huron Valley Ambulance, and Chalogianis is a part-time faculty instructor at the Washtenaw Community College Police Academy. Veld served 20 years with the U.S. Army Military Police Corps prior to joining DPS, and Bryant recently received the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Outstanding Recruit award during his police academy studies.

In 2002, DPS added a canine program to its array of services. Two police dogs trained to detect weapons and explosives as well as track people recently celebrated two years of service with DPS.  

DPS is a full service law enforcement agency with jurisdiction of the UM-Ann Arbor campus. Officers provide police, criminal investigation, security including in University Housing and the University Health System, parking enforcement and fire safety inspection services.