Sam The Record Man

I recently came across this photo from, I think, the 1970s online and it looked kind of familiar.

I did  bit of searching and came across this photo I took on a trip to Toronto in 2016 of the same shop front. 

The cops were arresting someone which was what made me stop and take the photo. Of the cop bike, not the actual arrest, as that was none of my business. 

I liked the 'americana' feel of the scene, despite it being in Canada. I have seen it said since that Toronto is the most American city in Canada.

Nick, Nick

An interesting pictorial wander through the history of the police use of motorcycles I recently found in the archives of Gloucestershire Constabulary, England.

Click LINK for loads of pictures.

Speed Cops

A Fair Cop

A sure sign that you're getting old is when you find yourself thinking that police officers look far too young.

The Shield

Police in action at the Rokin in Amsterdam, 1966

(Via: HistoricalTimes)

Polis

Looks like the Glasgow Polis (Police Scotland) are back using BMWs. They had been using Yamaha FJRs, but all those I saw today were on these machines.

Carabineros of Chile

Soviet Police

This Ural motorcycle outfit in original USSR police colours was recently for sale in Sweden.

The bike came complete with original paperwork, original paint, and USSR police accessories such as the illuminated stick for directing traffic, phone with antenna, flashing lights and siren.

About ten years ago I was offered a similar bike, a solo Ukrainian police machine in blue and white. I dithered a bit and by the time I decided to buy it it had been sold. Should have made my mind up quicker.