MPD rolls out new Segways

Monroe Police Department rolled out six new police-style Segways that will be used to patrol downtown Monroe, community events like the upcoming Ark-La-Miss Fair, parades and part of programs involving children.

Sgt. Mark Johnson said the Segways will be used in high crime areas as well as at community events, whether during Friday night football or a local parade.

Police Chief Quentin Holmes said the Segways help make officers more approachable and allow officers more opportunities to interact with the community.

“It provides the opportunity for police to get out and interact with the community. We can cover a lot of different ground where you can’t take a police car to,” Holmes said. “It takes down that barrier of the police car. We’ll take it to schools and anywhere it can create a talking piece with our citizens. Our imaginations are unlimited as how to use them to bridge that gap.”

Holmes plans to have up to 90 officers trained to use the Segways by the start of the fair later this month. That will be the first major public function where the devices will be used heavily.

He sees using them regularly at the Downtown RiverMarket, high school and University of Louisiana at Monroe games and activities at the Monroe Civic Center.

The purchase comes from the department’s budget. Six Segways were bought at a cost of $12,000 each. After they have been put in use, the department may look at upgrading the fleet with additional Segways.

Follow Scott Rogers on Twitter @lscottrogers.