Full Notification

SBPD Evaluating Segways on Patrol

The Santa Barbara Police Department, in partnership with Segway of Santa Barbara, has begun a seven week pilot program to assess the effectiveness of using Segway Personal Transporters on patrol. Five officers, a supervisor, and a manager have received training on how to use the devices and will take part in the Segway Patrol Pilot Program. Beginning today, residents and visitors may encounter a Santa Barbara Police Officer on a Segway patrolling the Downtown Corridor, the Waterfront, or Milpas Street.

Officers involved in the program will check out personal transporters during peak morning and afternoon hours from Segway of Santa Barbara located at 16 Helena Avenue. Two models will be tested, including one with off-road capability. Both have a top speed of 12.5 mph and an effective range of over seventeen miles. At the end of each shift, officers will complete a written evaluation of their Segway experience. The information gleaned from the pilot program will be used to assess the utility of Segway Personal Transporters in policing Santa Barbara and the role that they might have in an overall high visibility patrol and enforcement strategy that already includes foot and bicycle patrols.

Address/Location
Santa Barbara Police Department
215 E Figueroa St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-897-2300

Riley L. Harwood
Public Information Officer
rharwood@sbpd.com
805-897-2320