Suspension of Police Motorycle Use Urged

A Placentia councilwoman called Monday for suspending the use of police motorcycles after the third motorcycle officer in less than a week was involved in a traffic accident.

“I believe this is a wake-up call,” said Placentia Councilwoman Maria Moreno. “We are fortunate that the officer was not hurt in this accident but the fact is, it happened.”

Placentia motorcycle officer Kim Redifer, 52, was returning from UCI Medical Center in Orange on Monday after investigating the Amtrak train accident in Placentia on Monday morning. Redifer apparently was struck by a 1997 Chrysler van that reportedly ran a red light at Chapman Avenue and Anita Drive in Orange at 2:23 p.m. The Orange Police Department is investigating the accident. Redifer was not seriously injured and returned to work.

On Dec. 22, two Placentia motorcycle officers were en route to the scene of a traffic collision when a Pontiac Trans Am apparently cut in front of their motorcycles. Mike Roach, 39, is recovering at his home and Larry Worden, 39, remains in serious condition with head injuries at UCI Medical Center.

Moreno said that because there are more risks this time of year, with more traffic and more drunk drivers, she would like to see the Placentia Police Department put its motorcycle officers in cars for the next two weeks. She said she will bring the matter up with the City Council when it meets again Jan. 5.

But police spokesman Matt Reynolds said the department will not consider Moreno’s plan.

“These officers [on motorcycles] are needed the most when traffic is heavy. That’s why they’re out there,” Reynolds said. “These guys are driving their motorcycles 500 to 600 miles a week. Unfortunately, accidents happen.”