Capitol police testing Segway

By Max Heuer

WASHINGTON, Sept 24, 2002--The Capitol Police Department began testing two Segway Human Transporters last week in an effort to improve response time and effectiveness around Capitol Hill.

"It is very important" for Capitol police 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 two Segway devices are being leased from the New Hampshire-based company for two months, and Krug said different divisions within her department would be testing 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.

She said that the Segway costs $4,000 to $5,000, depending on the features, and that 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 with the idea while in Washington, and the department is making a constant attempt to try out different options and delivery systems.

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

Published in The Manchester Union Leader, in New Hampshire.