Yes, but do they have cup holders, and doughnut dispensers?

I see that the article you mention was written in 2002 and it was a trial. Pretty old! Do you know if they are still using them?

The report you referenced was actually from 2002, however, NYC just purchased 10 of them and are training officers in their usage. The problem will occur when criminals run up or down stairs to get away, of course they have the same problem with the mounted patrols.

I see this differently, not so much a pursut, but a great way to get out an “walk” a beat, while allowing more ground to be covered. these are most likely used in small areas of a city, such as downtown, around stadiums, and during special events, such as fairs, art shows, etc. These are cheaper and more easily controled then some of the alteritives. this would be to augment the standard street patrol (car) and mounted patrol. Here in Michigan, we also use jet skis, 4 wheelers, bikes, motocycle, boats, helicopter/plane, and foot patrols. this would be one more option to use to help sometimes, not for every cop, all the time.

I always thought they were kind of awkward and how do you keep someone from driving off with it once you leave it unattended? Do people just leave it alone if they know a cop is using it?

Seems like police would want to stay in shape instead of using automation.

Just to play devil’s advocate. I can understand using them on places like beach boardwalks and such. You & I say why can’t they walk around but then we also don’t have to work 12 hour shifts–who the heck can walk that much? If they had to chase criminals after 8 hours on their feet I doubt they would be able to do it.

I think this has some useful applications for them. C’mon…they are risking their lives for us so if this makes their life easier let’s cut them a break.

Peace!

Yeah, you guys are right about the age of the piece linked, but the message holds true as NYC among other cities are buying into the idea. So I consider the link timely enough with this taken into consideration. :)

Well Eric, maybe we should also ask police to give some opinions on IT professionals and what they do to address the issues in their workplace - I’m sure police are just as knowledgeable about IT as you and many others are about law enforcement. And just about the LAST employment segment who should be talking about staying in shape is the IT industry…

The “old fashioned way” of doing police work lost it’s effectiveness back at the turn of the last century, when mass transit and private transportation in cities made criminals much more mobile. It became increasingly impossible to have a beat cop who knew everyone who belonged within their area and what kind of a person they were. As criminals became more mobile, police had to do the same if they had any hope of keeping up. That ultimately resulted in almost purely reactive law enforcement, where police were either in the office doing paperwork, or in their cars awaiting a call or responding to a call.

For some time now, law enforcement has realized that proactive policing is highly valuable, and moving in and among the people they serve to protect is very important. Additionally, cars can’t go everywhere…

And so today most larger areas have a variety of means of moving police among the people while maximizing response times to calls. That’s why mountain bikes have become a fixture on many police forces, and presumably why some forces are trialing the Segways. I have no idea whether the idea will stick or not, but it doesn’t surprise me that they are having a look at it.

One last thought. Before musing further about people who cannot find the time to chase crooks or whatever, why don’t you go ask a cop how much their equipment weighs once the body armour, duty belt, handcuffs, chemical spray, baton, handgun, and ammunition is all figured in.

Depending what your department mandates, kit for a general duty officer can run around 20 lbs. Try chasing a street thug in their 20’s wearing nothing but their Nike’s, a T-shirt, and a pear of shorts with all that gear hanging on your waist and wearing patrol boots…

I lived in the the greater Hampton Roads area in Virginia and the city of Norfolk used them in the downtown are. I had the oppertunity to talk with a couple of patrolmen about the Segways. They said that there were good and bad side to the things, bit that over all the good outweighted the bad. as for staying in shape, they had to pass a physcial before they were allowed to use them and that they had to stay in shape in order to stay on them. Also that they people that got to use them where pulled from the bicycle partol unit. So, as far as staying in shape, looks like that is covered.

As for the good side, it gave them a platform. Granted not much, but enough to see over the majority of peoples heads. It also allowed then to move much faster around traffic and people and if they had to chase anyone, it was a whole lot faster on the segway then running with about 15 pounds of equipment attached tou your body. It was also quite. As for security, just like a bike, they locked them in the bike rack and took the key with them.

I was told that they were only going to be used in areas with hight pedestrian traffic and for crfowd control at major outdoors events.

All of which made good sense to me.

Eric? Where is “Eric”? Seriously, it’s been a long day, just wanted to make sure I did not miss something…

The police are not likely to actually use these machines to chase people. They only have a top speed of 12.5MPH - which is a quick jog. A criminal fleeing will most likely, if they are able bodied, easily be able to out-run a Segway.

My understanding is that the Segway PT will achieve two things for the police:

1) they are much more visible and much more approachable. People find it easy to spot a cop on a Segway (because they are taller) and because it breaks down barriers. People are interested in the technology, it makes them inquisitive and its a great way to engage with the public.

2) they can cover more ground. On a PT, you’ll cover 2-3 times more area than if you were on foot, but always and easily able to stop, talk to the public and then move on. All this whilst moving between the sidewalk or street with zero pollution.

If a chase situation did arise, the idea is the police can immediately get off the Segway, and at most it will roll a few feet before turning itself off. Or, if a second is available , step off and engage the alarm by pressing a button on its wireless key (perhaps do that as they start running?).

But let’s face it, as already stated above, after a days gliding on a Segway, they’ll be much more energetic to give chase, than if they’ve been walking all day.

Nowhere do the police say they put cops on the beat for their own personal exercise. They’re there with a purpose and the Segway makes them more effective. If they need the exercise, they can join a gym or walk about as much as they want - after work.

Sorry, “Matt”…

I gather you absorbed the crux of the post, however, despite my gaff in reference to your name.

Many communities have reserve police officers. You might consider applying, and if your fitness is up their standards it will give you both the priviledge of serving your neighbors and community, along with some insight into general duty law enforcement and all the issues that entails.

It ain’t CSI Miami…

Why do they have to be Segways? I see on TV you can get those little Scooters for free by having your insurance pay for it. they probably go the same speed.

I ride a Segway 12.8 miles to and from work every day.

I read just about every Segway news article that comes around.

I have read MANY from various police agencies who are evaluating and using Segways in certain patrol areas.

The consensus is that the Segway is a GREAT TOOL for that purpose.

The reasons are plenty:

1. The get the police “talking” to the public they are serving because almost everyone wants to come ask about it. This is great from a community relations standpoint. It makes cops “approachable.”

2. The police can “Segway” their beat and not get exhausted from all the walking. This means a more energetic police force, which is good for everyone.

3. Since the rider is about 8 inches off the ground, being on a Segway allows police to see “above the crowd” and do a better job of evaluating problems and potential problems.

4. Police can quickly respond to emergencies and avoid arriving at the location “winded” and thus can better do their jobs - talking on the radio, subduing a violent offender, etc. With foot patrols or bike patrols, police who have to travel quickly a couple of blocks or more to a situation will be out of breath. Segway patrols avoid that problem.

Very few departments have “evaluated” Segways and rejected them. Most who did had a flawed evaluation or were trying to use a Segway for an inappropriate purpose.

Actually, I heard that some cities that have bomb-disposal teams using them to go from their suit-up area to the “hot zone” This distance may be a long way aways, and by the time the guys were through walking there, they did not have the energy to defuse the bomb! Having a background in the fire service, this actually makes sense to me!

This cements my case:

“Police: Segway-assisted cop nabs car thieves”

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-liseg0606,0,3513790.story?coll=ny-li-bigpix