Retired Officer Dave Eastman relates:

When I went to motors, they had 1968 models. They had the radio in the box on the back and the speaker and microphone were mounted between the handle bars. They were the old 150 band radios. We had gone to the 450 band radios ( the walkie-talkies) but we could still use the 150s because communications was not fully converted to the 450.

The '64s were a dark silver with black trim. They were the first ones with chrome rather than painted wheels. I don't believe they had two way radios and I think the guy's call box theory is correct. In the old days, the department had lots of motor men and they worked three shifts. The midnight shift had two motor men teamed up in a car. They did not ride motors late at night. If you look at that one photo, they are all motor officer, over 50 of them. they all took the wires out of there hats and had that "50 mission" crush. They said it prevented the wind from blowing their hats off but I think it was just to look cool. They wore the blue hats back then. Major "Box" Harris, who was beloved by all, was appointed by Commissioner Pomerleau to be chief of traffic even though he was never a cop. He had the division go to all white hats sometime in the late 60's.

Motor men also did not wear high boots, but rather high topped shoes and "puttees". which were leather and wrapped around the calf. They were held in place by two buckles and joined the high topped shoes at the ankle.

One of the most unique features of the Baltimore Police motorcycles were the foot clutch and the tank or side shift. The officer worked the clutch with his left for and shifted gears with his left hand. You can see the shift lever in the photos. Many officers had billiard balls ( number 8 being the most popular) drilled and tapped to screw on the shift lever.

Also, in the photos, you can see the siren mounted just behind the officers' left foot. To activate the siren, the officer would stomp on a lever which made the siren shaft rub against the rear tire. This made the siren scream and they were quite loud. Every once in a while the shaft would actually go through the side of the tire causing a blow out, not a good thing when you are chasing a speeding car!

If you notice, the older motor officers had leather coats. Commissioner Pomerleau did not like leather coats and took them away from the motor and mounted officers. They got them back after Pomerleau retired.

Reba McEntire, reigning Queen of country music, was escorted by a few of Baltimore’s finest motor officers after an appearance at the Baltimore Arena. The photo was taken at BWI outside Reba's private jet. From left to right, Officer Dave Jones, Officer Milton Krysztofiak, Reba McEntire, Officer Mike Brandt and Officer Tom Joyce.

Above photograph was taken at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County at the awards ceremony for Special Olympics. Baltimore City Police motor officers were invited to give out the medals.

Officer Michael Brandt, Officer Milton Krysztofiak, Officer Dave Jones, Sergeant Tom Joyce and Officer Bill Edgar.