A VICTORIA Police plan to issue patrol officers with a hi-tech chariot known as the Segway Human Transporter has been put on hold after striking an unexpected hitch: it is illegal.
“Segways do not meet the necessary requirements to be registered in Australia and cannot be used on the footpath,” he said. The vehicles — which cost between $7000 and $10,000 are also banned from registration because they do not have brakes, lights and a horn or bell.
They are rated at up to 20kph but I don’t think that would be that much faster than a policeman in full pursuit, particularly as I imagine they would be a bit difficult to manouvre in crowded streets.
I’ve always thought that a lot of problems would dissipate in the face of two big coppers on the beat…walking….talking….meeting the people….frowning at young bucks…helping the little old lady and generally policing publically.
The Vic police started to lose the plot when Kel Glare was appointed Chief. It’s steady decline has become ever more apparent to all. It’s primary focus nowdays seems to be revenue raising and social engineering, all the suburban stations are now closed and the few coppers left are kept in huge mega stations where they are safely isolated from the community. Long gone are the days when police concentrated on catching crooks and keeping the local hoons and nuisance makers under control.If you want promotion, organise a few “community festivals” or march for pay in gay events. Listen to the senior police who get on the 3aw morning show to see how far removed the leadership is from the general community. God I sound like a whinger.