The Darien Police Department has two Harley Davidson Road King police motorcycles as part of their patrol fleet. The patrol motorcycles are assigned to the department’s Traffic Division. Their main purpose is to concentrate solely on enforcing motor vehicle laws in locations that have been determined to be problem areas, based on patterns or citizen complaints. The motorcycles are also available for escorting special details such as parades, road races, funerals, and other community events.

The police motorcycle has several advantages over a patrol car. The compact size and maneuverability of the motorcycles make it ideal for traffic enforcement and for responding to calls for service in heavy traffic. The police motorcycles are also more economical, with an estimated 35-46mpg.

Motorcycle Officer T. Court Isaac, a twelve-year veteran of the police department, started the motorcycle patrol in June of 2006. The second Motorcycle Officer, James Martin, is a five-year veteran of the police department, and came onto the unit during June of 2007. These two officers have successfully completed a rigorous two-week nationally certified police motorcycle training course to obtain their Police Motor Officer certification.

When stopped by police:

The Darien Police Department is proud to have a very intensive, award winning traffic safety initiative in place. Headed by the department’s Traffic Division, each year Darien Police patrol officers make an average of 8,000 motor vehicle stops. This effort is made to help keep the motoring public safe. There are many different reasons why the police might stop you:

• You may have committed a traffic violation
• Your vehicle might have some sort of defective safety equipment, such as a headlight out.
• The police may want to warn you about a potentially dangerous situation.
• Your vehicle may match the description of one used in a crime.
• You may have witnessed a crime.

Regardless of the reason, the officer needs your full cooperation. If you are stopped by the police, you may feel confused, anxious, excited or angry. Remember, traffic stops are very stressful and very dangerous for the officers. Each year, officers are killed or seriously injured while making what some people call "routine" traffic stops. Here's what you should do when an officer stops you:

• Connecticut law requires that motorists pull as far to the right as practical and come to a complete stop on the approach of any emergency vehicle with emergency lights and/or siren activated.
• DO NOT exit your vehicle unless asked to do so by the officer.
• DO keep your hands in plain view on the steering wheel, so the officer can see them. This is a standard safety measure for the officer - s/he doesn't know you. Please do not be insulted. If the stop occurs at night, please turn on your interior dome light.
• DO NOT make any sudden movements inside the vehicle, especially toward the floorboard, rear seat, or glove box areas.
• If your license, vehicle registration, or insurance information are not within reach, tell the officer where they are located before you attempt to retrieve them.
• Avoid becoming argumentative. Arguing will not change an officer's decision to issue a summons or a warning. If you disagree with receiving a summons, you can argue the case at the Stamford Superior Court before a judge.

Questions / Complaints / Compliments

If you have a question about a procedure, or a complaint about the officer, contact the Department at 203-662-5300 and ask to speak to the On Duty Shift Commander. If you want to send a letter of compliment because an officer was particularly helpful or professional, you can send a letter to the Chief of Police's attention.

Safety Concerns:

• Be sure that you and all your passengers always use seat belts. They do save lives.
• DO NOT drink and drive. The Darien Police Department aggressively seeks out drunk drivers to keep our roads safe. If you drink, use a designated driver. Please be sensible.
• Observe and obey all posted speed limits. Fine amounts are expensive and insurance surcharges may result.
• Drive defensively and with courtesy for your fellow motorists.