How cool is this? Norwalk’s police department now has an actual Segway, courtesy of a homeland security grant. The grant kinda places restrictions on the “intended” use of the Segway, but its likely to get some use as a community patrol vehicle.
Because the $6,200 cost was paid with federal Homeland Security funds, the Segway’s primary mission will be to transport bomb squad members, who must don their heavy, unwieldy suits, to the scene of suspicious packages or other bomb threats, Rilling said.
Otherwise, the Segway, capable of running for an eight-hour shift, will be used for community policing, special events and patrol functions.
Rilling said he hoped the Segway, complete with flashing lights and siren, will help officers perform their jobs more efficiently.
“If we find that the officers are using them and find them effective, then we will look at the possibility of expanding their use,” Rilling said, adding that the department may use seized drug money to purchase two more Segways.
Rilling said he would invite bomb squad members from the Stamford Police Department, which does not have a Segway, to begin training on the devices in Norwalk.
source: The Advocate, Norwalk police officers hop aboard Segway plans, By John Nickerson, October 12 2007
