Yorkville Police Get New Rides

At least one Yorkville police officer will be riding a Harley in the Monday.

The police department is leasing two motorcycles using funds from drug forfeitures and fines to help officers seem a bit more approachable. The move also will save the city a little gas money, said Chief Rich Hart.

“No matter where we go – whether it’s a park or a gas station – people are going to interact with us,” Hart said.

Officers brought one motorcycle into Tuesday’s Yorkville City Council meeting. The lease costs $2,500 a year, plus some fees, and the department is committed to one year with an option for a second, Hart said.

The motorcycles will be finished with traditional police decals and will be available for patrol officers with the appropriate training, Hart said. So far, one officer has completed the training and four more will be going next month.

Costs for the lease and training are covered by special funds that police can only use for certain purposes. When Yorkville police arrest someone on drug charges, a portion of any fines, money and items seized through court proceedings are funneled back to the department.