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Segways On Patrol At UNH

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Aug 7, 2008 2:08 pm US/Eastern

Segways On Patrol At UNH

DURHAM, N.H. (AP) ― Segways are on patrol at the University of New Hampshire. UNH was a test site when New Hampshire inventor Dean Kamen unveiled the scooter in 2001. Now, UNH's police force will use the souped up police model.

Deputy Police Chief Paul Dean says he was skeptical, until he tried one out.

"They offered them to us for two months free so I said, 'free's free, we'll try them,' but I wasn't convinced. Then as soon as I got on, I was sold."

The Segway runs on a battery that holds a charge for eight to 10 hours. It can travel up to 15 mph, about as fast as someone can sprint. The police model comes with a siren and headlight and stands about eight inches higher than the original model, allowing officers to see over a crowd.

Dean says the scooters will help the department go green, save on fuel and give officers more personal contact with students because they always prompt a conversation.

"The officers have embraced them. Even the naysayers have come around and say it's a good tool," Dean says.

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