![]() ![]() The need for more police motorcycles was greater than ever and Harley-Davidson created a special police division to meet the rising demand for machines. Automobile sales began to skyrocket in the 1920's, with 13 million cars hitting US roads by 1923, up 162,500 percent since the first Model T rolled out in 1908. The police not only found themselves having to deal with better equipped bootleggers, but also with the general driving public. Police officers on J-series Harley-Davidsons, circa 1921. ![]() To add insult to injury, the bootleggers were often riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles, but had purchased the faster 74" JD models that could outpace the 61" J models used by the police. This all changed in 1920 when the US entered the Prohibition Era.įlush with cash from illegal liquor sales, bootleggers were able to buy the fastest cars and motorcycles available, leaving the police lagging behind. Still, just being mounted on a motorcycle gave the police enough of an advantage that they were able to successfully perform their duties without the need of specialized equipment. It would be many years before options like flashing lights and sirens would be made available. The first police models were little more than civilian bikes with different paint or markings. Officer from the Detroit Police Department, circa 1915. READ MORE: Top 5 Harley-Davidson Prototypes of WWII ![]()
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