Echo Times

Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Photo provided by COM police A COM police officer patrols campus on a loaned Segway

New police patrolling devices have been taking campus police where an ordinary police vehicle couldn't take them before. Campus police tested out the Segway i2 Police and x2 Police models for a three week trial period. From August 20th through September 7th, campus police patrolled the campus using Segway scooters. "It makes it easy to get around the entire campus," said Marco Minoia, police service aid. "We're able to see multiple parts of the campus without using a car."

Segway scooters are two wheeled self-balancing devices controlled by computers and motors located at the base. A Segway scooter is quite simple to operate; leaning forward allows it to move forward and leaning backward allows it to move back while a steering handle allows it to turn left and right. They are designed for use on sidewalks and other pedestrian accessible areas.

"During school hours, it's very difficult to maneuver so Segways are good to get officers to where they need to get to easier," said Police Chief Charles Lacy. Weighing in at only 120 pounds and with a footprint 21 inches long by 30.5 inches wide, the Segway x2 Police model, favored by Chief Lacy, is a fraction of the size of a standard police vehicle. "It makes officers seem more personable," said Lacy. Lacy said the Segway scooters, clocking in at a maximum speed of 12.5 miles per hour, made campus police more approachable to students. Lacy said students were very intrigued by the devices and frequently came up to officers on the Segways to ask them about their new patrolling unit.

After the three week trial period, the Segway scooters were returned. Police Chief Lacy said that they are trying to fit the purchase of Segway scooters in the budget. If there is no room in the budget to purchase the scooters, which run about $2500 to $3000 for the smaller i2 Police model and $5000 to $5500 for the larger x2 Police model, there is a grant option available through the Homeland Security Grant Act.

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