Some students may have already noticed the newest mode of UPD transport rolling around campus. Starting this fall, officers are patrolling the university on two new UPD segways.
UPD has incorporated the pair as another mode of transportation used to patrol campus. This means officers will be seen in patrol cars, motorcycles, bicycles and now segways.
UPD Patrol Captain Michael Harmon said six officers went through specialized training sessions to be able to ride the segways.
“That’s just another tool we’re using to help keep our campus safe,” Harmon said.
Officers on the segways possess arrest powers and have the ability to pull over a vehicle since they come equipped with headlights as well as blue lights, although Harmon said this would be unlikely.
“Unless it’s an emergency, we really won’t want officers pulling them (drivers) over on the segway,” he said. “We’d rather they use their radio and get a unit on a motorcycle or patrol car to stop it.”
Some students think their newest mode of transportation is comical.
“I think it’s a good idea and it makes a lot of sense, but I’d be concerned that the student body doesn’t take them seriously,” exercise science senior Rena Goodwin said.
“If one pulled me over I would kind of laugh to myself for a bit.”
Other students believe the segways are unnecessary and the police can do the same job with their current vehicles.
“I’m not sure that it’s necessary,” English, French and history senior Meredith Wilson said. “I think it seems a little silly because the other things that they have could do the same job.”
Additionally, UPD is using golf carts to patrol the campus throughout the night. Students who do not feel safe walking through campus at night can take advantage of the Rebel Patrol Escort. By calling 662-915-7234, students will be given an escort by UPD to walk him or her to their destination for free.
“We have a very safe campus, and we want to keep it that way,” Harmon said. “You are responsible for your own personal safety, but we have resources over at UPD to try and keep you safe too.”
