Segway Goes to Capital Hill

[Casey]

September 25, 2002, Boston University, Washington News Service-The Capitol Police Department began testing two Segway Human Transporters last week to see whether they would improve officer response time and effectiveness on Capitol Hill.Full Article

[Casey]

quote:
News - September 25, 2002
Capitol police testing effectiveness of Segway
Union Leader News

WASHINGTON — The Capitol Police Department began testing two Segway Human Transporters last week to see whether they would improve officer response time and effectiveness on Capitol Hill.

“It is very important” for officers “to interact with the public and do hands-on work,” Deputy Chief Marsha Krug said. “Standing on the Segway gives you the ability to have that personal interaction.”

The devices are being leased from the New Hampshire-based manufacturer for two months, and Krug said different divisions within her department will test the vehicles every day.

Officers need to move from the various congressional office buildings quickly, she said. “On the Segway, a person can move rather quickly to an incident to assist in any kind of situation.”

While the units have a clear upside, Krug said, there is already some concern that the department’s money would be better spent on mountain bikes or motorcycles.

A Segway costs $4,000 to $5,000, depending on the features, she said, and there is some concern officers would become “less fit” if they rarely had to walk on patrols.

Krug said a company representative approached the Capitol Police Department with the idea while in Washington, and the department is constantly trying to improve service delivery systems.

She said the District of Columbia Parks Department has been experimenting with the device, as well.

— Boston University, Washington News Service