New motorcycle officer joins SPD’s two traffic enforcement operations

The Susanville Police Department advises motorists it will be conducting two traffic enforcement operations during the month of September. The first operation will be held from 4 p.m. to midnight, tonight, Thursday Sept. 14. The second will be held from 4 p.m. to midnight next Thursday, Sept. 28.

Motorists may be surprised to see a local police officer on a motorcycle during the operations. That’s SPD Officer Mike Mai on the department’s seldom used 2007 Harley Electra Glide. Mai said the motorcycle is better for traffic enforcement than the SUV’s most local officers drive because it’s easier to move in and out of traffic.

He said he’s been with the SPD for about a year, after four years working for the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office. When he applied for the job with the department, he said he asked to be the city’s motorcycle officer because he’s been riding motorcycles since he was a youngster and owns several bikes himself.

If you encounter Mai during a traffic stop, expect him to hand you the ticket you rightly deserve.

“I’m here to enforce the rules of the road and ensure public safety,” Mai said. “I’d cite my mother if she made a traffic violation.”