After Tuesday (8/29/2017) morning's minor injury crash involving Officers Chris Harris and Chris Waters, the Murfreesboro Police Department has suspended the use of motorcycles until an evaluation of the program is completed.

Chief Karl Durr said, "Effective immediately, officers assigned to the motor unit will conduct traffic operations in police issued cars until further notice. This is an opportunity to remind everyone to drive safe always, and wear your seat belt."

Durr commented, "This incident prompted us to expedite the evaluation of the motorcycle program. Until the issue is fully discussed and evaluated, we will implement a safety stand down of the motorcycle program."

He continued, "Following Officer Matt Stern's motorcycle crash, the staff began discussing the use and deployment of police motorcycles. Lieutenant Clayton Williams has been collecting policies from other agencies, so as to make an informed recommendation to command staff on the risk and rewards of various options regarding motorcycles and responses to vehicle crashes."

And speaking of vehicle crashes, Murfreesboro police officers respond to over 5,000 vehicle crashes annually, making it one of the most frequent calls for service. In fact, Officers Harris and Walters were responding to an accident with injury when they crashed Tuesday morning at the intersection of Northwest Broad Street and Hamilton Drive.

Again, the Murfreesboro Police Department has suspended the use of motorcycles until an evaluation of the program is completed. NewsRadio WGNS will keep you informed.