North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

What was the major pursuit vehicle used by law enforcement in 1903?

1. The motorcycle

2. The car

3. The bicycle

4. The horse

The correct answer is: The horse

In the year 1903, the primary mode of transportation for law enforcement was the horse. During this period, automobiles were still in their infancy; they were not widely available or reliable enough for practical use in law enforcement. While bicycles and motorcycles were emerging as alternatives for personal transport, they had not yet become common tools for police work. Additionally, the use of horses was deeply entrenched in law enforcement practices since the establishment of organized police forces. Officers relied on horses for patrolling and responding to incidents due to their speed and agility in urban environments. Thus, horses were the major pursuit vehicles, enabling officers to traverse streets and navigate through crowds effectively. Bicycles and motorcycles, while more efficient than walking, did not reach the level of practicality needed for rapid response or pursuit at the time. Cars were still considering luxury items and were limited in number and accessibility in most areas. Therefore, the dominance of horses during this era in law enforcement activities rightly identifies them as the major pursuit vehicle of 1903.