Segways back on the beat for UM Public Safety

After a nearly two-year absence, Segways have returned to the University of Montana campus in an effort to decrease operating costs, as well as to increase the visibility of security.
The addition of the two self-balancing electric vehicles, purchased for roughly $5,600 each, will drastically limit the number of miles driven by patrol cars by about 9,200 miles this year, said Bob Duringer, vice president for Administration and Finance. The he Department of Public Safety will save nearly $6,000 in gasoline.
The two Segways that Public Safety used in 2006 were recalled after the model was discovered to be at risk of malfunctioning. 

After a nearly two-year absence, Segways have returned to the University of Montana campus in an effort to decrease operating costs, as well as to increase the visibility of security.
The addition of the two self-balancing electric vehicles, purchased for roughly $5,600 each, will drastically limit the number of miles driven by patrol cars by about 9,200 miles this year, said Bob Duringer, vice president for Administration and Finance. The he Department of Public Safety will save nearly $6,000 in gasoline.
The two Segways that Public Safety used in 2006 were recalled after the model was discovered to be at risk of malfunctioning.
The devices not only cut down the mile usage and fuel consumption of the patrol cars, said Public Safety Director Jim Lemcke, they also require virtually no upkeep and run on the equivalent of 400 miles per gallon. The Office of Public Safety has also added four new patrol bikes and a golf cart for the campus locksmith in order to further cut down on fuel costs.
Although an ASUM resolution passed in October 2006 discouraged any further purchasing of Segways due to mechanical malfunctions and environmental limitations, Lemcke is confident that these newer models will operate efficiently.
“They’ve gotten more intelligent, and those are the units we purchased and are using for patrol,” Lemcke said.
Lemcke also stated that the new units have been tested on the “M” and Kim Williams trails, and won’t likely be slowed down by rough terrain or weather conditions.
“There’s not anyplace I found that I haven’t been able to go,” Lemcke said. They also “go down stairs pretty well.”
In addition to lowering costs, both Duringer and Lemcke said Segways offer a more personal approach to conducting campus safety – a model, according to Segway.com, that is being used by Duke University and University of Memphis, among others.
“In general, it makes us more visible to students, faculty, and personnel on campus,’ said Lemcke. “It allows us to go where the people are.”
Duringer agreed that the new vehicles would greatly aid this personable approach to campus safety.
“It’s a much less confrontational way to do business with people,” Duringer said.
Justin Sakalis, a UM senior studying psychology, isn’t convinced that the Segways make the officers more accessible.
“Anytime anyone’s two fee above you, it’s sort of hard to approach them – especially if they’re wearing a uniform,” Sakalis said.
Liz Kavon, a junior studying business marketing management, believes that the increased visibility will deter crime on campus.
“I think it helps keep things safer,” Kavon said.
Lemcke said he was optimistic the fate of the new Segways will be better than those from 2006.
“The new one is a whole different machine,” Lemcke said. “The technology is pretty darn good.”
steven.miller@umontana.edu