El Dorado County Sheriff's Office 2017 Annual Report | Page 25

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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