Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said the city's motorcycle units will help the department respond quickly to traffic accidents and other situations, and will focus on traffic control in the city's neighborhoods.
Two Kyle police officers, three-year veteran David Saenz and four-year veteran Dago Pates, have been trained and certified as motor officers.
The Certified Motor Officers training is a two-week course designed to teach officers proper use of motorcycle units and tactics that are best suited for the units.
In light of the city's population surge—the Census Bureau figures showed an increase of more than 500 percent from 2000–10—the police department began expanding last year.
Barnett said the goal was to reach 36 officers, which would put the department at 1.28 officers per 1,000 residents. That expansion also included the addition of a position for a warrant officer, filled by five-year veteran Zach Castilleja.
According to the department, the motorcycle units will work Monday–Saturday during daylight hours and will also be responsible for accident investigation and assisting with major crimes in progress until other units can arrive and secure a situation.
The units will also address complaints in residential neighborhoods, school zones, major highways and at other locations as needed to address safety concerns.
The units have also attended several community functions to promote traffic and pedestrian safety.