PERSONAL TRANSPORTERS & ALTERNATIVE VEHICLES
Offi cer Don Priddy, John A. Logan College Police Department, using a Segway for patrol during the crowded Hunting and Fishing Days.
www.segway.com SEGWAY
Segway’s General Manager Chip MacDonald stated that Seg-
ways are very versatile, from being used in large cities, such as Washington, D.C. and Chicago, to neighborhoods, college cam- puses and transportation hubs, like airports. T e Segways provide ground-based patrol and encourage interaction with citizens. T e Segway can often get there faster than traditional squad cars in urban areas with alleys and pedestrian-only traffi c areas. For instance, the Segway could traverse a quad area on a crowded
college campus, enter buildings, and travel on an elevator directly to a student in distress in a dorm room. Segways are also used in rural areas for events such as state and county fairs, football games and other events. MacDonald reports there is also a big trend for School Resource Offi cers and hospitals with medical-based police forces to use the Segways. Segway partnered with an agency who does grant research and departments who request this free service are given a list of all available government and corporate grants. MacDonald stated, “Law enforcement departments are interested
in both the ‘green’ energy as well as the lower operating costs. With patrol in crowded cities, the offi cers would often be walking, leaving the squad car to travel to businesses and other areas. With the Segway, they take their transportation with them.” Each Segway also has a wireless key and if someone tries to “hotwire” the Segway, there is an electronic lock that locks the wheels and sends out an audible alarm. Even if stolen, the vehicle is useless without the wireless key. MacDonald also spoke to the advantages in arriving quietly at the
scene. “Customers often report surprising drug deals going down or catching people involved in other mischief. T e vehicles are nearly com- pletely silent and can go anywhere before anyone knows they are there.” Lorenzo Sheppard, Assistant Chief of Police for Operations, New-
Santa Barbara offi cers on Trikkes in downtown business district.
port News, Va. Police, reported that they use Segways for local parades, malls and special events because of their maneuverability. Citizens are curious about the Segways and offi cers have more opportunities to talk to citizens when they approach. According to Sheppard, “T e high visibility and ability to turn on
a dime keeps the bad guys from knowing what the offi cer is doing. When they see the Segway, they scatter because they know the offi cer has a shorter response time to reach them. T e Segway acts as a crime deterrent and a good tool for community policing.” T ey often deploy two Segways side-by-side in high-crime areas.
www.trikke.com TRIKKE TECH INC.
Trikke’s Electric Patrol Vehicle is well suited for patrol, crowd and
festival control, as well as indoor use. President/CEO John Simpson stated, “An offi cer on patrol will average 20 miles from one charge, which means if the offi cer is mainly cruising along at pedestrian speed, the charge would likely last an eight-hour shift. Swapping out the bat- tery takes a few seconds, is extremely simple, and requires no tools. T e battery charger plugs into any normal electrical outlet and re- charges the battery within 3–5 hours.” T e Trikke is extremely ma- neuverable at the lowest of speeds to full speed. Simpson reported that the vehicle breaks down the barrier be-
tween the offi cer and the public and people are curious about the vehicle. Customers are impressed with the low maintenance issues, low cost, and the ease of portability, allowing the vehicles to be easily folded and transported. Art Nigro, Sacramento County, Calif. Sheriff ’s Department
Trikke Airport Detail Training Coordinator, stated they utilize the Trikke for a faster response to calls and proactive enforcement. Nigro said, “While utilizing the Trikke, it always creates a ‘buzz’
www.pfmmag.com 25
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