Segways putting roll in patrol

• By JASON BROWN
• Advocate Acadiana bureau
• Published: Nov 3, 2009 - Page: 1BA

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LAFAYETTE — On a cool and clear day there is no better beat than the one Ed McLean and Kelsie Lege work for the Lafayette Police Department.

The two corporals patrol downtown Lafayette on Segway Personal Transporters, which are two-wheeled devices that seem to defy gravity.

Similar to traditional foot patrols, Segway patrol officers interact with residents and business owners as they zip through the downtown area.

The Segways increase officer mobility while allowing them to remain visible within the area.

Lege said he has driven them up parking tower ramps, inside of buildings and into elevators.

“It’s a great tool,” Lege said.

Chase Bank, Iberia Bank, Midsouth Bank, Capital One Bank, The Russo Group, Jefferson Street Market and Teche Drugs all chipped in to purchase one of the Segways. Lafayette Crime Stoppers paid for the other.

The Segway patrol has been in place since about August 2008.

Jaci Russo, of The Russo Group, one of the businesses said the Segways provided a great way to mobilize the foot patrol already in effect in the downtown area.

“Any area that gathers large numbers of people has the potential for crime,” Russo said. “By providing our officers with this speedy, efficient method of patrolling we are able to make downtown even safer.”

Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft said he has received nothing but positive feedback.

Spotting officers zipping by on the black transporters has become commonplace during weekdays.

Craft said he believed the heightened visibility and five-day-a-week patrols has helped alleviate problems in the area.