Obviously nobody at the SPD notices how the public likes the bike cops ...

Then maybe the SPD wouldn't need Segways to catch criminals and evildoers.

What a freaking waste...

More donuts, please.

It's pretty fucking boss.

So, despite general hipster Segway hatred (because they were poorly marketed and sold as a "solution" to walking), what's the big deal?

No, Segways are not as green as bikes, but they are more so than motorcycles and cruisers. So why the hating? Because they're not cool enough? Somebody fill me in, because it seems like random sniping to me. Especially from someone so concerned about green issues as ECB.

If the Segway allows an officer to cover a larger territory during a shift, have higher visibility, and still have a closer tie to the community that is being policed, isn't that a good use of your tax dollars?

In other words, what's the return on investment? You have an opinion on this, so maybe you've looked into it?

segways don't change any of it.

That said, I'd rather see the money go to getting more cops on the street than cops on segways.

Or, should we defend every vehicle purchase for public use against how much exercise they steal from public officials?

They are also much slower than bikes.

And while this is entirely personal opinion, I have more respect for a cop on a bike than on a segway. Cause, you know, they all look like fucking morons on those things.

Segways are a solution looking for a problem. And, giving parking tickets does not require a multi-thousand dollar walking replacement. If you want to cover more ground more quickly, as mentioned, bikes, scooters, etc.

I've yet to see the use that would justify the expense, and I've been watching for that since the day these things were invented.

On the down side, swinging your nightstick around to beat the shit out of someone throws the whole Segway gyroscope thingy out of whack.

Since all the above forms have drawbacks and benefits which overlap, I think the Segway is at least a fair tool to at least evaluate in the field.

Your numbers look good to me, and frankly an investment of $5-7k or so with an annual maintenance in the realm of $500 sounds pretty wickedly inexpensive, compared to other forms of transportation.

As for looks -- well, I think Crown Vics look more stupid then Segways, and I remember people thinking Bike cops were laughable when they came out. Guess that's in the eye of the beholder.

Well, plus it's impossible to look cool while riding one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xEzGIuY7kw

...No comment.

Why would you care if Segways looked cool, if they were cheap and efficient? Yeah, I know legs/walking is cheaper, but months and years on your feet can really put a lot of wear and tear on them and your legs. Ask anyone who has a job were they stand/walk a lot.

Scooters that fold are very green.

What Is Happening Out There?

And Uncomon Sense - the City has been funding more cops every year; recruitment is the problem, not funding. Try reading news instead of the Slog sometimes.

righteous indignation would be one thing. but totally ignorant--and contradictory to boot!--righteous indignation is pretty disgusting.

http://iraq.reuters.com/

This comment to be deleted soon as off-topic.

http://tinyurl.com/2lsfue