Segway boost to police patrols

Police will use additional Segways to patrol South Bank during Festival 2018 events as part of the Commonwealth Games.

The two new Segways would be deployed to promote public order and safety in South Bank from today until April 15.

This doubling of the number of Segways available to officers will contribute to current operations in the South Bank precinct and allow the broader deployment of the units in the future to help keep the community safe.

Segways have already been used by police to maximise their sightlines over people and to provide highly visible patrols.

Police on Segways have also found and arrested people for a range of offences including drug and property crimes.

They will now be used for patrols of South Bank as it hosts a range of festivities for the Commonwealth Games.

Brisbane Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Brian Wilkins said Segways were an additional operational option for officers to patrol areas with high numbers of pedestrians.

"Some of the benefits include manoeuvrability in crowds and a greater distance covered during patrols," Acting Assistant Commissioner Wilkins said.

"The majority of officers at South Bank are trained to ride Segways.

"Training includes advanced skills, such as navigating inclines and rough terrain, and practical use in crowded places and inside buildings."

The Queensland Police Service adopted Segways in September 2013.

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