What crime-fighting vehicle has a small but powerful engine, operates on lithium-ion batteries, has zero emissions, is eminently maneuverable and has police officers clamoring for a ride? No, it's not the Batmobile. It's the Segway and, according to Officer Gregory Riley, "It's pretty cool."
At first glance, the Segway looks like the product of an unlikely union between a motorcycle and a unicycle. But it's a technically advanced personal transport vehicle that operates on both street and sidewalk and is capable of gracefully nuanced movements. The Norwalk Police Department bought a Segway three years ago and, according to Officer Riley, the acquisition has been a huge success: "We use it for just about everything," he said. "It's great for street patrols because it covers more ground than an officer on foot, and it goes places an automobile can't access, like alleyways, tunnels and parking garages. And officers can ride right up on the sidewalk and look into store windows."
Not surprisingly, the Norwalk Police Department's Segway, like those on police forces throughout the country, has some post-factory upgrades that separate it from the standard consumer's ride. The law enforcement model, the sturdier Segway X-2, has neon markings and bigger wheels than its mass-market counterparts. It can also transition easily between outdoor and indoor terrains.
But perhaps more importantly, the Segway is facilitating communication between officers and community members. "Everybody has a question about it," says Officer Riley. "I've been on an eight-hour patrol and have had 50 people come up to me and ask me questions about it and take pictures of it." The most common question? He says with a laugh: "It's 'Can I have a ride?' " (The answer, by the way, is a resounding "no.") "It's definitely not a toy," he says.
Officer Riley has been tasked with training other officers of the community division to operate the Segway, the most difficult part of which, he says, is getting on and off. Although it's equipped with highly responsive sensors beneath the footpad, alighting the Segway can be tricky. The key, according to Officer Riley, is balance. "New riders can definitely take some falls, but once you find your balance and get used to being about eight feet off the ground, you're good to go," he says.
Is it the future of policing? Officer Riley thinks a fleet of Segways would be great, but for one snafu: "There would be a lot of questions," he said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
