Two-wheel transports finding role with police

"IT," also known as "Ginger" was going to be the best thing since sliced bread.

Apple founder Steve Jobs said it was going to be "as big a deal as the PC," and others who weren't in on the secret speculated it was an anti-gravity device or some new type of motor.

"IT" turned out to be a pricey two-wheel electric scooter that utilized computerized balancing controls that Dean Kamen invented for a powered wheelchair.

After all the hype, there was no way reality could keep up with the fantasy in dreamers' heads.

It didn't help that it was finally unveiled on Dec. 3, 2001, only three months after September 11 put a lot of things in perspective.

There have been recalls and redesigns, video of President Bush falling off of one and other setbacks, but more and more of us have at least seen a Segway in action, if not ridden one.

If we do see one, often it's being ridden by a police officer or security guard working in a crowded place, like a mall or along a parade route, where a "human transporter" device like the Segway comes into its own.

The latest use is by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln police department, which bought four of them to save on fuel and make officers more accessible.

Capt. Carl Oestman says officers will continue to patrol campus in cars and on bikes, but the Segways should help cut fuel costs and preserve officers' energy on longer, more demanding shifts.

We can't see local law enforcement officers using Segways yet, especially because most of our towns are designed for four-wheelers, and most of the public uses that form of transportation.

But as more of us look for ways to leave cars and trucks parked, and for special occasions like Heritage Days or other events, Segway might have a place on the police force or sheriff's office.