Segway, bikes are latest 'weapons' in S. Elgin policing strategy

You probably saw it at last month's Riverfest, perhaps sometime this summer and you might even see it at this weekend's Harvest Hustle.

In an effort to get out of their squad cars and into parks and neighborhoods, South Elgin police have been riding around on mountain bikes - and a newly acquired Segway Personal Transporter.

Police Chief Christopher Merritt said the purchase of the $5,000 Segway is part of the department's overall strategy to get patrol officers out of their squad cars and into neighborhoods and parks by bike, foot or other means.

"I think the officers enjoyed it. I think the citizens enjoyed it. People have told me they enjoyed it," Merritt said.

Nearly one-third of the 32-person department is trained to ride the Segway. The force also has three mountain bikes.

Merritt said he would like to buy a second Segway in 2009. He said the department's gasoline consumption dropped from 2,833 gallons in January to about 2,200 in August. However, because prices have increased, the savings is probably a wash.

Still, Merritt is pleased with the initiative.

"I think it's been successful. I think they've shown their usefulness, especially in a town like ours," he said. "We're a community-oriented police department."

Bill DiFulvio, village trustee and chair of the Special Events Committee, said he'd support the department's request for another Segway if money is available.

He noted the machine's ability to navigate through grass and even up small hills to get to parks and other areas shut out by traditional squad cars.

It takes you back to the old days, he said, when police would walk their beats and get to know their community.

"(The gasoline savings) is probably secondary for me," DiFulvio said. "We all want to save gas. Segways can go a lot of different places."