Photographic History of the Lincoln Police Department Motorcycle Unit: 100 Years 1911 to 2011

A glimpse into the Photographic History of the Lincoln Police Department Motorcycle Unit. Little did Chief James Malone know that when he proposed the idea of a motorcycle officer in 1910 to catch speeders that he would be contributing to an illustrious piece of motorcycle history. Chock full of articles and photographs this is a testament to the versatility of not only the motorcycles but the police officers who rode them.

Original Request For Information:

Lincoln Police Seek Historical Photos & Memorabilia

Unknown Lincoln Police Officer

The Lincoln Police Department wants to honor the history of their department by preserving photographs and memorabilia. Captain Joy Citta and University of Nebraska intern, Scott Jarecke, are leading a project to record the history of police motorcycles and the officers that rode them.

The Lincoln Police Department has a history that dates back to 1870. Records indicate that the motorcycle unit was active from the 1920s -1970s. It was brought back in 2005 and continues to be a respected unit of the police department. Not only are the motorcycle officers productive in traffic enforcement, but they also conduct presentations in the community and provide escorts at special events such as the Lincoln Marathon and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Documenting police history is a perpetual process and one that members of the department are committed to accomplishing. This project is to ensure that the history of the motorcycle unit is accurately captured and documented. Eventually, the history of the motorcycle unit will be featured on the Lincoln Police Department website and on display at headquarters.

Anyone with information, photographs or memorabilia is encouraged to contact Captain Citta at jcitta@lincoln.ne.gov or 402.441.7239. Images will be scanned, memorabilia photographed and promptly returned to the owner.