Police Segway trial to be extended

Queensland Police will continue to trial the use of Segways in the state’s pedestrian areas with an additional two Segways to be trialled on the Sunshine Coast.

Acting Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister John McVeigh said police would continue the existing trial of Segways at South Bank and along the Cairns Esplanade.

“The extension of the initial three-month trial period will also allow police to extensively test the capabilities of the Segways during the peak holiday period,” Mr McVeigh said.

“The extension and expansion of the trial period will allow police to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the use of Segways by police.

“The Newman Government is committed to ensuring police officers have all the equipment they need to help keep Queenslanders safe, including the trialling of new technologies such as Segways.

“This trial is another example of how, after years of Labor neglect, the Newman Government has taken steps to move the Queensland Police Service into the 21^st century.

“The Queensland Police Service is also currently conducting a mobile data trial which will see police officers have access to Queensland Police databases with the swipe of a finger.”

Member for Noosa Glen Elmes, who inspected the new Segways on the Sunshine Coast today, said he looked forward to seeing the Segways patrolling the Noosa and Mooloolaba/Alexandra Headlands areas.

“The Segways are proving to be a useful form of transport to help officers protect Sunshine Coast communities,” Mr Elmes said.

“The Segways are a fantastic community engagement tool and if they help officers to build stronger relationships in the community and make people feel safe, then we are taking a step in the right direction.” 

Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said the personal transporters had assisted officers in the investigation of armed robberies, break and enters, wilful damage and numerous street offences.

“Officers involved in the trial have said the use of the Segways has been beneficial in their day to day work,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“Some of the benefits include improved sight lines, slow manoeuvrability in crowds and the distance covered during patrols.”

Commissioner Mr Stewart said the Segways had been used on 35 shifts in the Southbank area and during the trial, 140 street checks had been performed, nine eviction notices issued, four suspects located, four people located wanted on warrant and four helmet warnings issued.

In Cairns, the Segways had been used on 22 shifts and officers had been involved in more than 112 public engagement jobs, two street checks, issued seven cautions for drinking in a public place and located one person wanted on a warrant.

[ENDS] 9 January 2014

Media Contacts: Lea Emery 0417 226 114 or Kate Haddan 0418 373 516