As San Jose grew, motor vehicle traffic increased and a need for a modern motorized police department was needed. The first
motor vehicles used by the department were actually Indian and Harley Davidson motorcycles (officers had to purchase their
own motors and were compensated for repairs and fuel consumption on duty). San Jose had a large motorcycle division
during the 1920's and 30's. By the late 1920's motor vehicles were used as 2-man "prowler" cars, conducting burglary suppression.
The San Jose Police Historical Society has been fortunate enough to locate and preserve several of our patrol vehicles. These patrol vehicles
represent a moment in time and for the officers who served a fond memory of a beloved (or despised) patrol unit. The goal of the San Jose
Police Historical Society is to restore, preserve, and display these vehicles in a variety of community events and department functions so that
future generations of officers and their families can enjoy our shared history.