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The 63rd Street district isn’t known for being a couch potato. There’s always something going on, and we work hard to keep newsworthy topics – both the good and the bad – in the forefront of everyone’s minds.
Segway Patrol Arrives on 63rd St
In late August, 63rd St. welcomed a sight seen typically downtown, a Chicago Police Officer cruising the sidewalk in a segway. The segway has drawn much attention from passersby and business owners and comes as part of a citywide strategy to increase the visibility of officers and reduce crime.
The segway will be driven primarily by the 6 officers of the 8th District Bike Patrol and the 63rd St. foot patrol officer, Ofc. Joe Barrios. In total, there are 17 officers at the 8th District trained to drive it. It has a top speed of 14 mph, holds a charge for 3-4 hours, and has a siren and police lights. The Commission recently purchased additional accessories to support officers on the segway patrol.
"People stop me, ask me 'how does that work?'" reports Bike Patrol Ofc. Steve Stoddard. "It's different from anything else I've experienced on the job." The segway has been a great pubic relations boost for the police, creating a new avenue for police outreach to the community.
Earlier this past summer, the Commission successfully advocated for a new foot patrol officer for the 63rd Street business corridor. The segway offers the officer greater mobility without sacrificing an accessible public presence, creating a happy medium between the inaccessbility of a squad car patrol and the inefficiency of patrolling on foot.
The seasonal patrol is a welcome addition to CPD's overall policing strategy in our neighborhood. The Commission & GSDC thank the 8th District for its work in support of local businesses and residents alike.