Electric-powered unit popular
among officers, city residents
IMLAY CITY — Why walk, bike or drive when you can be transported to your destination using an electric-powered, two-wheel, self-balancing personal transportation vehicle.
In recent weeks, Imlay City Police Officer Corey Martin has been seen patrolling downtown and the city’s side streets aboard just such a vehicle.
Imlay City Police Officer Corey Martin shown aboard the department’s newly acquired Segway PT to be used for code enforcement.
The city’s newly-purchased Segway PT vehicle can be used indoors or outdoors and travels up to 24 miles on a single charge.
Moreover, the Segway is adaptable to a variety of patrolling applications; including law enforcement, private security and emergencies.
Police Chief Scott Pike said the refurbished unit was purchased in early July from Great Lakes Segway of Walled Lake at a total cost of $3,774, including upgrades.
Upgrades included an uplift, mat and automatic kickstand, along with training for officers using the vehicle.
Pike said the personal transportation vehicle can be utilized to assist with code enforcement, community engagement and the policing of festivals and other community events.
“It was Corey’s (Officer Martin’s) idea and I was lukewarm about it at first,” said Pike. “But it’s turned out to be well-received by the public. And the kids seem to love it.
“We purchased the vehicle for use in code enforcement,” he noted. “I think it’s probably less intimidating than having a patrol car roll up to somebody’s property.”
Training included
After the purchase, Pike felt it important that his officers be sufficiently trained before jumping onto the new PT for the first time.
Fortunately, Great Lakes Segway owner John Smith was available to accommodate. He recently visited Imlay City to personally train Officer Martin and others likely to use the PT in the future.
The company’s ‘StreetSmart Training Course’ is designed to ensure the safety of not only the vehicle’s user, but of the general public.
He also instructed officers on how to properly maintain the new equipment.
The goal is that the police department and the City of Imlay City are able to fully maximize the return on their investment.
“It’s been an honor to partner with Chief Pike,” said Smith. “I look forward to a long-lasting relationship with the Imlay City Police Department.”
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
