Police chief reports year-to-date priority calls rise, warns of dangerous e-motorcycles

The Hyde Park Police Chief presented a snapshot comparing 2024 and 2025 priority calls and said the department is monitoring increases in several categories. "Total for 2024, Hyde Park had 300, priority calls in these categories right here," the chief said, then noted that eight months into 2025 some categories are on track to surpass last year's counts.

The chief also raised safety concerns around high-powered electric motorcycles and scooters, describing two recent crashes this month and telling the council many devices are not registered or equipped for street use. He said chiefs across the valley are discussing a uniform approach and that education — aimed at parents and students — and coordination with prosecutors would be part of any enforcement effort. Council members agreed on the need for a data-driven approach, including traffic studies and additional speed-trailer data in problem locations.