Valletta police on the beat, using Segways

Christina Pace

Aug 13th 2011, 17:51

I apologize for the comment about the officer in the picture. This was not meant to offend anyone especially not anyone personally.

Joe Brincat-LL.D

Aug 13th 2011, 09:05

There should be agreement about one thing. The police must have no mobility problems. Unfortunately, and this over decades, the police force was endowed with vehicles which are not even roadworthy. So first things first. This is especially true when there is a restricted budget. It is enough to know what the prices are of this segway if you search the internet.

Coming back to mobility of the police force, it is enough to come at the intersection between Strait Street and St Lucia Street, Valletta, just at the lower end of the Embassy Complex. When the court is sitting you may notice from 11.00 a.m. onwards, police officers and investigators having finished their appearances in court sittings, waiting for a car from police HQ. The waiting time is not for a few minutes. Some may even have legal obligations to continue with an investigation with a person arrested, while the clock is ticking away and eroding the 48 hours in which a person may be detained.

What James Wightman writes makes sense. We do not have in Valletta the interminable shopping centres as they have abroad. Segways may be useful in such environments. But for Valletta, given its configuration, which cannot be said to be flat, other means of mobility can be more useful.

I would prefer the electric minicabs, which could serve more purposes than one.

This is not being against all innovation or any innovation. Even innovation has to be rational. And what fits one country does not necessarily fit another.

James Wightman

Aug 13th 2011, 08:25

I do hope the 'testing' process will include trying out the beat on bicycles as well.

I personally think both are needed.

Skegways are used on flat public areas by other police forces - I remember them at Amsterdam airport.

While skegways have a smaller footprint, bicycles can go down stairs/steps and although a skegway is quoted as having a top speed of 25-30kph I'm not sure I'd want to be on one one maltese paved surfaces/roads at that speed. I wouldn't have a problem doing double that on a bicycle!

So there is room for both. Oh and for someone on a bike regularly like a beat officer 100Km is nothing. Do it in his sleep - have a bit of faith in our boys in blue.

Joe Fenech

Aug 13th 2011, 05:57

AS I SAID EARLIER:

Give them a bike. It keeps them fit, will make the many over-weight officers lose weight and you'll be saving the tax payer money. A bike costs 1/20 of the price!

!!!! Segways cost over 3000 Euros !!!!

Joe Fenech

Aug 13th 2011, 05:56

AS I SAID EARLIER:

Give them a bike. It keeps them fit, will make the many over-weight officers lose weight and you'll be saving the tax payer money. A bike costs 1/20 of the price!

!!!! Segways cost over 3000 Euros !!!!

Joe Brincat-LL.D

Aug 12th 2011, 17:05

Wikipedia has already included Malta as experimenting with segways. Why not have a look at that site to see how different countries look at this "electric vehicle" ?

Dunstan Camilleri

Aug 12th 2011, 15:07

Well done Mr Rizzo a road to sucess in law enforcment .

Mr Matthew Mintoff

Aug 12th 2011, 13:15

Segways are awesome but they are really expensive. Those 2 segways cost as much as 2 motorbikes or even more :/ i don't think we afford those in malta :S

Joe Brincat-LL.D

Aug 12th 2011, 13:01

I watched the video, and I suggest you do. Watch the people walking, without segways. Can you calculate the relative speed of both (walking in the same direction, naturally) ?

Charlton Cascun

Aug 12th 2011, 12:58

Sur Alfred Camenzuli, ghal- informazjoni tieghak il-pulizija tinzel il mandragg kif ukoll id-dueballi. jien il hin kollhu narhom ghaddejin, specjalment mal-lejl, il karozzi tal-mobile squad.

Micheal Aguis

Aug 12th 2011, 11:56

Kif kollox tridu tmaqdru...... vera pajjiz tal mickey mouse ax innies li jghixu fieh jaghmluh tal mickey mouse..........

Lewwel nett ghal min qed jghid biex naghtuhom rota........ ax ma jippruvax isuqha hu ir-rota fis-shana tas-sajf ?? Din mhix kwistjoni li taghmel exercise, lexercise jekk ghandu jsir jaghmluh fil hin tat training taghhom u mhux waqt il hin on service fejn liskop taghhom hu li jzomm lordni pubblika. Naqbel ukoll li ghandu jkollhom hin ta bilfors bhala parti mis-servizz biex jaghmlu ezercizzju fiziku biex ta l-anqas ikunu naqra physically fit iktar milli huma

It-tieni nett, donnu hadd minnkom ma siefer barra minn Malta ux vera?? Hafna pulizija fl areas pedonali kolla jigru bijhom...Insemmi Londra, Ruma, Parigi, Berlin, Bratislava u Vienna fost lohrajn......... Ir raguni hija wahda, f'zoni pedonali ma jkunx emm nies bil karozzi allura il pulizija jehtieg li jkollhom xi haga iktar fast minn persuna li qeda timxi jew tigri. Issa jekk hawn xi hero li jaghmel jridha ta xi wiehed li jaghmel in-New York marathon jew it-Triathlon u lest li joqod jigri minn naha al-lohra f'hin qasir biex ikun iktar facli li jzomm lordni pubblika...... missu jidhol pulizija hu la ghogbu jmaqdar.

Jien minix pulizija, u bhal kull organizzazzjoni ohra li tezisti, il pulizija fijhom il tajjeb u laffarijiet lohra li emm bzonn jitrangaw............ innies ma tantx jghinuwhom pero anqas ta.......... Il Gahan Malti biex imqadar biss kapaci................ax sa hemm jasal mohhu

Armin Vella

Aug 12th 2011, 11:48

Policemen rescue two swimmers .. ghalhekk tajbin il pulizija ghax ma jkunux " on the beat "

Mr Mark Anthony Mifsud

Aug 12th 2011, 10:10

To the gentleman who cycled 100km in 4 hours:

Good for you, Sir! Remember, however, that the police are paid to enforce law and order and to serve and protect the public. They are not paid to burn calories for the pleasure of it.

Jo Azzopardi

Aug 12th 2011, 09:53

For god's sake give them a bicycle!!!!

David Farrugia

Aug 12th 2011, 09:17

Police with Segways at first glance looks stupid but if they are a deterrent for crime then it is a good idea. However I find this Segways business as propaganda for the Government to show the Police Force in better light. This Government (G) unfortunately does not get his priorities right. First of all G has to pay the officers their right of pay in overtime arrears which is their right then spend countless money on Segways, new building Police Academy, etc etc. Well we all know that his G is not in favour of the worker but giving money to his cronies in the building industry to repay G when election comes along with money galore.

Claire Busuttil

Aug 12th 2011, 09:05

idea tajjba.....la ma jifilhux jigru ux.....

Mr Carmel Camilleri

Aug 12th 2011, 08:43

Ha Ha Ha tad dahq issa naqbduhom il hallelin !!!

Jason Falzon

Aug 12th 2011, 08:32

Now if some of them would look more like coming out of a baywatch episode, Valletta business would thrive :)

John Scerri

Aug 12th 2011, 07:38

Go to Iceland they use Scooters.
Go to Romania they use Segways.
Go to many countries they use Bicycles.

In some places in Malta they also use Bicycles .
Yes keep them coming .

What's wrong with some of you is that you resist any form of change .

I think it's about time people start using bikes and segways as well instead of cars . Both are eco friendly .

I have driven a segway ...its fun, manouverable,safe,lasts long on charge,excellent to go around with for errands around the town or village.

Anthony Farrugia

Aug 12th 2011, 07:37

This is a postive development....the officer can cover more ground in less time....and he certainly draws attention to himself...and that is all good. Well done.

tony abela

Aug 12th 2011, 07:17

It surely does not help keeping our Policemen fit. Some of the Policemen are already over weight, though lately there has been a noticeable improvement. Before to be a Policeman it was important that you where huge and heavy

Ms B Cassar

Aug 12th 2011, 07:13

Pajjiz tal-mickey mouse. Haqqu prosit u monument John Bandi ghal din id-diska. Missu jaghmluha flok l-innu malti.

Kollox prijorita go dan il-pajjiz barra is-serjeta.

Mr Alfred Camenzuli

Aug 12th 2011, 05:39

Minn jaf, Forsi issa jibdew jinzlu il Mandragg u id-Dueball, U tinda minn habba ix-XEMX?

Ms F Goodwin

Aug 12th 2011, 05:37

Whatever gets them on the streets. I've honestly never seen Maltese police "on the beat." If they're just too lazy to walk then sure, bring on the segways. Anything to get some police presence on the streets to deter criminal activity.

Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti

Aug 12th 2011, 04:31

Does anyone know how fast these machines go?

Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti

Aug 12th 2011, 04:25

I see Carnival has come early to Malta! I hope they won't run into any law-abiding citizens.

Marcel Ellis

Aug 12th 2011, 03:38

What is wrong with all you people? Segways are being used more and more by innovative police forces around the world including Rome, Paris, London, Miami and New York. They are providing police with a means of patrolling larger areas more frequently and speedily. I think if any of you got into trouble and a policeman arrived to assist you in 2 minutes rather than 10 you would be all too great-full.

Most of your comments below have fallen to the level of talk of pre-renaissance where every innovation was criticised. If it were for people with this mentality we would all still be riding horse drawn carriages, crossing seas with slave driven boats and living in poverty and disease with no hope for cure. Get a life people - a Segway can only help the police force do a more efficient job in the same way a police car helped them get there sooner instead of riding a horse!

jay smith

Aug 12th 2011, 02:22

whats the crash helmet for?

Mr B. Fenech

Aug 12th 2011, 01:54

Issa X'hemm hazin bili juzghu segway. Kull haga tajba li ssir dejjem isib xi hadd specjali li jrid imaqdar fuq ix-xejn.

Joseph Ellul

Aug 12th 2011, 01:25

I would advise the authorities NOT to use these contraptions. These are dangerous to both user and surroundings. These were designed to help incapacitated people and also office staff in very large offices (like USA) to move around. There have been serious accidents involving these contraptions. The Malta Police Commisioner has to assess what kind of insurance policy he has to take to cover liabilities.
In Australia police use mountian bikes, they are very efficient and also keep the user in fair shape.

Mr Anthony Neil Pace

Aug 12th 2011, 01:07

I do not think that this is a step in the right direction. we have alo of overweight police officers, and overweight wardens, I saw one a couple of days back and he was the size of a house, riding on a tiny motorcycle.

We need initiatives that promote activity, Not Laziness. Do not be surprised if we see larger policemen using those stupid segways.

Julian Mompalao de Piro

Aug 12th 2011, 00:03

i hope they'll get a blue flashing light on top of their helmets.

Mr Tony Camilleri

Aug 11th 2011, 23:51

So the Police have thousands of euros to waste on these contraptions but the eir conditioners in police cars were remover to economize on fuel. What a joke of a country. I was going to say Mickey Mouse country, but I don't want to insult Mickey Mouse.

Peter Shaw

Aug 11th 2011, 23:38

ahjar jaghmlu x-xol vera taghhom minflok joqdu jduru b'dawk it toys kostuzi

Ms Francesca Abela

Aug 11th 2011, 23:37

Aside from the fact that the Police look silly on these machines, this video clearly shows the lack of Maltese people in Valletta!! On a normal weekday Valletta used to be teeming with people so much so that the Segways wouldn't be able to pass in the crowded street of Republic Street, this video is a clear example that people are avoiding Valletta because of the Arriva fiasco in Public transport. A case in point: Marsascala residents in St Thomas area do not have a direct Bus to Valletta anymore thanks to Arriva and Transport Malta, think anyone is going to bother walking 20 or 30 minutes in this weather to go shop in Valletta from Marsascala?? = NO!

Peter Shaw

Aug 11th 2011, 23:31

viva s Segways !

Mr Jimmy Magro

Aug 11th 2011, 23:27

Why not bicycles?

and why Valletta, when the crime scene seem to be Paceville, Swieqi, St. Julians and other night sposts?

Where is the strategic thinking within the Police Force?

Joe Brincat-LL.D

Aug 11th 2011, 23:05

Imagine the Valletta Police using segways uphill in St Paul's Street or old Bakery Street, or up from St Elmo. And they are not cheap ! What if instead they opted for an electric mini-cab type. Two can ride it, to say the least. Buy two segways and you can see what they cost to carry two policemen "with special needs".

Pat Caruana

Aug 11th 2011, 22:06

Some people seem to be under the false impression that segways are only for flat ground. You can go up stairs, hills and even go offroading on a segway... so maybe it might be a good idea to inform yourself before commenting? Just saying....

Mr Mark Anthony Mifsud

Aug 11th 2011, 21:59

To the many who said “Only in Malta”.

Actually, no! I believe many police forces in Europe and America do use them. They are especially useful for policing university campuses and pedestrianised urban areas.

Mr Mark Anthony Mifsud

Aug 11th 2011, 21:58

To the many who think bicycles are a better deal. Bicycles are generally cheaper, but Segways have their advantages:
- The police officers would be fresher and more alert.
- The high position gives them a better view that facilitates the assessment of any situation.
- The high position also enhances the officers’ visibility and presence, which would be especially helpful for crowd control.
- The Segway is probably safer in case of assault, bearing in mind that an officer astride a bicycle with his hands on the handlebars is actually quite unstable and vulnerable to pushing.
- The officers don’t have to wear lycra pants!

Mr Charles.C. Brown

Aug 11th 2011, 21:44

When is the malta police going to stop making a laughing stock of itself first it was the police band dancing like a bunch of nancyboys in front of the palace and in front of a laughing crowd of tourists and now segways so tourists can show thier photos in the pubs back home and have a good laugh at us.

Mr Dunstan Crockford

Aug 11th 2011, 21:09

Segway were given an EU subsidy for Tourism oriented buiness recently.I would NEVER have dreamt that the Police would use this form of transport on patrol! They are surely not within this remit!

Alfred Grech

Aug 11th 2011, 21:04

I think its a good idea because the poor officers at times walk miles every day.

BTW, I looked up the word "gemgem" in the dictionary, and they show the map of Malta.

Mike Magoo

Aug 11th 2011, 20:39

That will teach those damn thieves with their walking frames and wheelchairs to leave us alone!!

joseph gaffarena

Aug 11th 2011, 19:42

Re Mr, Parascandalo
First of all Mr, Wise ,my intention was before we invest a l;ot of euros on this new idea,we have to think of a better way , and more flexible to those segways.
We all know of all the great ideas we are having at trhe moment, that is costing us thousands of euros, take arriva for instance. So, my writing was not directed as an insult (as you said) to our comissioner, but purely before investing, he have to think twice, and what is werong with that.
Last, who have any doubt that we are truly a mickey mouse country?
So, next time Mr. Parascandolo,do think of what you write prior to my writing.

Andrew Cumbo

Aug 11th 2011, 19:16

Hope Police Corps find revenue to replace the disgraceful sheds with Police mobile homes. It’s a pity to see a police on duty in these sheds, without the adequate sanitary facilities and exposed to all weather conditions. I am referring to the Police sheds like the one situated in M’Scala near ex Jerma Palace Hotel.

Matt Borgde

Aug 11th 2011, 19:10

This is what its going to happen with these segways.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLlUgilKqms

Mr Victor Calleja

Aug 11th 2011, 19:04

What if the battery runs down half way Republic Street? He calls the breakdown service perhaps?

Charmaine Marmara'

Aug 11th 2011, 18:39

If I was in the Police Force I would seriously refuse to ride them things ,this is ridiculous .....it's better they got treadmills most of them they can hardly walk let alone run and chase thiefs...How much weight can that Segway hold?? ....Policemen on horses looked more beautiful in my opinion they looked MAJESTIC in a kinda way ....I was in Valletta about a month ago and there were 2 Police Officers on Horses, they always fascinate me for some reason ....But yeah now with the modern City Gate rubbish they have to modernize laziness as well !!!!!!

Isabella Debattista

Aug 11th 2011, 18:38

It goes beyond belief in this country..you have to moan about everything...think outside the box and stop this negative critisism of nearly anything under the sun...I saw the Police patrolling a parade in Florida two years ago using Segways...

Across America...http://www.segway.com/patrol/patrolling-america-program/

In France..http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/47087,in-pictures,picoftheday,pic-of-the-day-french-police-on-segway-patrol

John Caligari

Aug 11th 2011, 18:23

tourist attraction nothing more.

Mr Patrick Zammit

Aug 11th 2011, 18:08

Is this a joke?

Mr James Grech

Aug 11th 2011, 17:50

Yeah, @ a price between 3000 and 4000 Euros each, it was really a priority for our Police force to get these gadgets.

Victor Pulis

Aug 11th 2011, 17:44

Do they go up and down steps because if not then half of Valletta is out of bounds!
Call me gem gem but I'm right, right?

Stephen Koludrovic

Aug 11th 2011, 17:39

I'd like to see any of these grumblers doing the beat from ghar-id-dud to Spinola 10 times a day on foot.

The idea of these Segways is that a policeman can have a much larger range to patrol than just being on foot.

And no, it will not make them lazier, it could get them sooner at hand if needed.

Mr Joseph Lungaro

Aug 11th 2011, 17:34

The policeman on the left is better off setting foot on a treadmill rather on a Segway !

joseph gaffarena

Aug 11th 2011, 17:30

My dear comissioner pls thinmk before you buy these segways.
We are a mickley mouse country, and with these you add the police corps as well

Mr Paul Caruana

Aug 11th 2011, 17:27

Something similar to this should be introduced in the Paceville area, and indeed various tourist locations around the island.

Mr A Cardona

Aug 11th 2011, 17:24

Dedicated to all Gem Gem people...

Police in Lithuania catch thief on Segways: http://www.supersegway.com/policekaunas.mov

Hopefully some miniature cameras will be included too in the future.

Alfred Spiteri Hili

Aug 11th 2011, 17:22

I can just imagine it, 5 years in the future, a guy on a segway snatches a woman's purse. Moments after a hot pursuit begins as police begin chasing him on their segways, Its so tense as the distance between them...remains the same.
Come on people just because someone else implicates this somewhere else in the world, it doesn't mean its a good idea or it will work as well here. We need to start thinking for ourselves, not copying anyone we see thinking its a good idea. We have no problem copying other people when it comes to frankly, lazy and stupid ideas, but things like a mandatory solar panel like in other parts of the world we're reluctant to buy, why?

Albert Bezzina

Aug 11th 2011, 17:10

Not as cool as a Lamborghini in the hands of the Italian police - even though they wrecked it!

Jonathan Cole

Aug 11th 2011, 17:06

this will make them more lazy?

Charles Micallef

Aug 11th 2011, 17:03

Is this part of their keep fit exercise ... come on now they cannot be serious!

Mr Vince Cachia

Aug 11th 2011, 16:57

If I were the commissioner i would buy some truncheons so that there won't come some 15 year old and beat up three officers !!!

Miguel Bonello

Aug 11th 2011, 16:55

This is a great idea seeing Police on Segways!! especially since the Police station moved.....
Well done who got this idea!

Victor Baldacchino

Aug 11th 2011, 16:48

MALTA police on thee beat and LONDON police take the heat.
Whar a coparison?

D Micallef

Aug 11th 2011, 16:45

@ every gemgem,

just google image the phrase "police segway" and you`ll see them being in use in USA,Germany and other countries!!!

Steve Zammit

Aug 11th 2011, 16:29

The Malta Police should invest in some skateboards too :)

Steve Zammit

Aug 11th 2011, 16:27

Maltese gem gem...complain baout anything and everything

Lawrence Attard

Aug 11th 2011, 16:25

What a national pastime grumbling has become! Stop all the negative criticism please, with some of the commentators here Malta would stay exactly where it is and never advance in mentality or facility. If you critics leave your gerger chair and travel more often, you would perhaps see that Segways are extensively used in many countries with great success. Why? Because they are a good way of going about in crowded areas without the bulk and inconvenience that a bicycle would have in such limited spaces. I saw police on them only recently in Florida, they looked good and snaked in amongst the crowed quite effortlessly. They are also much used in airport, shopping malls, etc. So why not Valletta?

To those who asked why not walk instead, Im sure that you will cover less area of patrol on your feet than on a Segway in a given time The only issue in Valletta would be the steps in some streets.

Keeping the force in line with the times and updated is one way to help give them morale. Having judges not give out suspended sentences is another, but thats another story....

Go for it Police!

Mr Tony Camilleri

Aug 11th 2011, 16:22

It would have been better if they had been provided with either bicvcles which would be good to maintain a good physical condition or electric motor bikes which were extremely much cheaper, under Lm200 if I remember correctly.

Mr S Sammut

Aug 11th 2011, 16:22

Instead of segways it would be much better to have our police more physically fit rather then seeing some who can hardly walk properly with all the weight.

Mark-anthony Fenech

Aug 11th 2011, 16:19

What bunch of grumblers this comments section is infested with...

Mr Tony Camilleri

Aug 11th 2011, 16:14

http://www.segwaymalta.com/support/faqs/
Q : How many speed settings does the new product have?
A : The second-generation Segway PT has two operational settings, "beginner" setting and "standard" setting. Beginner setting is set to 6mph/13kph, and the standard setting is set to 12.5mph/20kph.

Segway Malta
"Hard Rocks Industrial Park"
Burmarrad Road
Naxxar NXR6345
Telephone: +356 2099 8925
Fax: +356 2143 8926
Email: [email protected]

Maria Zammit

Aug 11th 2011, 16:13

Now this model makes more sense for police officers

http://www.dnainfo.com/20110624/washington-heights-inwood/cops-patrol-northern-manhattan-on-segways

Stephen Koludrovic

Aug 11th 2011, 16:08

actually I think its a good idea.

They could end up being very useful to patrol the routes from Bugibba to Qawra, all the gzira front as well as all the way from Ghar id-dud to Spinola.

Its by far more practical than having bicycle cops.

Dennis Agius

Aug 11th 2011, 16:05

Mill 1961 Malta saret Indipendenti, sa dak iz zmien konna maghrufa mill Inglizi bhala Maltese Gemgem, u dan minhabba il garr eccessiv li kienu minn dejjem igemgmu il Maltin. Pero issa mhux hekk biss issa sirna qisna il hanut tal kantuniera ta zmien it titotla, lil tara u tisma lill ganni peppi u martin li kienu dejjem fil hanut jitkellmu u jgergru fuq kull haga li ssir fir rahal, kienu jkunu l-esperti ta kollox u dan minn fuq dak l-imbierek ta bank tal hanut. Hekk saret din ir rokna tat Times b'nies esperti fuq kull qasam. Kif jitla rappoprt, tara l-istess nies igemgmu u juru l-esperjenza vasta fuq kull artiklu li jidher. nissuggerixxi lill kittieba tat times li jiktbu hafna aktar fuq il Grecja kif ukoll fuq L-Amerika, kif ukoll fuq il problemi tal Ingilterra ghax minn din ir rokna zgur li johorgu hafna ideat tajbin ghal Papandreu, Obama u Cameron.

Jason Coleiro

Aug 11th 2011, 15:58

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/27/segway-owner-dies-in-segway-crash/
check this link

Mr Victor Borg

Aug 11th 2011, 15:57

Are the police too lazy to walk?

Or is the Segway an attempt to keep them from falling asleep standing up?

I see so many illegalities in our streets, and I am always amazed that the police fail to see what I see. With the Segway they will see even less illegalities as they have to focus on where they are driving, and on the driving itself, and not on looking around.

Finally, they will have an excuse for failing to see people breaking the law, and they will even have a new toy to play with - pity it's the law-abiding people who have to pay for their toy.

Victor Pulis

Aug 11th 2011, 15:53

Do they go down steps because if not then half of Valletta is out of bounds!

Mr George Calleja

Aug 11th 2011, 15:49

Mill-kummenti li qrajt wiehed biss fahhar l-inizjattiva!! Veru Maltese gemgem!! Hadd ma jogghbu xejn !! Imbaghad ikun hemm il-malizzjuzi li mohhom biss li jdahhlu l-politika. Veru pajjiz gustuz...u issa b'dawn il-blogs qed isir iktar pajjiz gemgiemi!!

Pierre Micallef Grimaud

Aug 11th 2011, 15:45

It's unbelievable how people have to judge, comment and criticize everytime something new is introduced in this Country. The Segways used by Police in several Countries are a beneficial tool for Policing. First & foremost, the officer stands higher than pedestrians, thus getting a better vision of the street and business outlets. It can run faster than a running human, if need be. The scope here is to patrol streets and not to chase people (which they can still do). I don't see why people have to compare these machines to overweight or lack of exercise or negative remarks against the Police, but surely, as in other Countries, they would help the police with their duties. You don't have to stare at them if you don't like the Segways or the Cops.

Gino Borg-Marks

Aug 11th 2011, 15:38

And the policemen shall all say, ''Get out of my Segway''.

Michael Camilleri

Aug 11th 2011, 15:36

Hard to be a daunting authoritive figure when the most common consumer of the segway happens to be analogous with the 30 year old World of Warcraft player.

Claudio Pisani

Aug 11th 2011, 15:27

I have been abroad quite a bit, especially the UK. I have seen Policeman and even paramedics on a bicycle, but never on a Segway. Bicycles would provide a form of exercise, clean transport, possibly fatser, and may also be used as a boost to get people cycling. There has been a lot of talk about getting people to start using bicycles as an alternative mode of transport. Why not get to police to start using them, and set an example, and hopefully get some of the "rounder" police in better shape.

Ramon Mangion

Aug 11th 2011, 15:27

People some comments are stupid... as usualll . Well fine our police are not the fittest, however the argument of chasing bank robbers is wayyyyyyy ......

Its like we have a bank robbery every day like the US.... These are for patrol in pedestrian areas

Adrian Gouder

Aug 11th 2011, 15:25

Unbelievable! Truly incredible!!

First of all, I would like to know what will happen if someone puts something in the way... a nose dive perhaps? Secondly, I do not recall segways running faster than fast walk. But then, do we have the money for such things? I tend to agree with Mike Turner... who's the agent for Segway in Malta?

Aaron Zammit

Aug 11th 2011, 15:25

Its bad enough that a number of police are unfit. Are they scared to lose some weight whilst on the beat?
I would love to see them on a chase whilst using them.

s. caruana

Aug 11th 2011, 15:22

PATROL....PATROL.... PAROLI... PAROLI... Imbghad tmur go Pacevile tara lil minn kien ghal affari tieghu illaqat xi xebgha tajba u puluzija galarija!! Ghal ghajn in-nies hadd ma jirbhilna kieku!!

Mr R ferriggi

Aug 11th 2011, 15:14

and may i add................ how can we then expect policemen to catch up with running thieves if the yare not fit even to walk??

can some sports scientist explain this to me??

as i said before,,,,,, ridiculous.

Mr Karl Consiglio

Aug 11th 2011, 15:09

They look a bit silly, do they intend to use them in Paceville?

J Farrugia

Aug 11th 2011, 15:03

Well seeing that the average Maltese Policeman/woman has a BMI of over 25 it's a stupid idea, walking is more healthy and at the same time be aware of whats going on around you easier.
Mr Commisioner should also ban smoking while on duty and send them for a few more customer care courses instead of wasting money on this pointless machine.

mike turner

Aug 11th 2011, 15:02

Malta already has the fattest policemen in the world, they'll just get fatter and fatter. Who has the Segway Agency ?

Phil Humphries

Aug 11th 2011, 15:00

Segways are sooooooooo cool, and fun too. But I can't help thinking how funny the Police would look chasing bank robbers on these. With their lights flashing and sirens wailing it would be like watching the Keystone Cops. :))

:))

Carlos Espinal

Aug 11th 2011, 14:59

The most difficult thing about riding segways is not looking stupid on them.

That and a the fact that overweight people riding personal mobility vehicles looks very, very contradictory.

Mr Lawrence Calleja

Aug 11th 2011, 14:58

Il-vera poplu miskin u negattiv. Il-Maltin haqna midalja biex nikkritikaw b'mod negattiv minghajr ma naghtu suggerimenti validi. Maltin li inmaqdru lilna infusna u jekk naraw lill barranin nghidu li dak tajjeb. F'dan il-kaz jekk il-persuni li ikkummentaw marru f'ibliet barra mic-cokon ta' Malta raw lil pulizija barranin juzaw is-segway. Imma milli jidher ghall barra minn Malta tajjeb u ghall Malta le. F'pedestrian areas ma tistax tuza karozza ghalhekk nahseb li din kienet idea eccellenti. Nispera li xi darba il-poplu Malti jikber ftit u jimmatura.

K. Vella

Aug 11th 2011, 14:57

Well Done, more modern look in-line with other countries.

I suggest the Police Force to consider safety wear and proper uniform for the Traffic Policemen.

I would like to see more police on bicycles especially on the promenades and beaches.

Michael Flaherty

Aug 11th 2011, 14:55

Segway top speed: 12.5mph [http://www.progressive.com/segway/segway-facts.aspx]
Human top speed: 27.79mph [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footspeed]

Given that not everyone is Mr Bolt, let's be reasonable and get it down to 15mph for the untrained masses.

Brilliant idea, indeed.

Mr Dave Smith

Aug 11th 2011, 14:54

Wonder if the officers are aware that the designer of the Segway Jimi Heselden (very clever man) drove one over a 30 foot drop walking his dog, into the River Warfe and died !

D. A . Agius

Aug 11th 2011, 14:48

nice try... if it was sliema, bugibba, birzebbugia, st julian's front it's ok because the distances are longer.

Valletta , well, no. It's heavily trafficked by pedestrians, and honestly, the amount of roads they can use are few.

For those commenting on fitness, yes, i agree. But since we expect Policemen to be fit, why can't they get decent training facilities that adapt to their unuattractive shifts?

Why not do a three or four times weekly a 30/60 min slot / day of decent training part of their working hours unless they are already doing it on a private basis?

What about closing all these inefficient, useless and ridiculous mini police stations (Gharghur police station used to be a large table and just enough space to go around it), build two or three DECENT police stations with all facilities (incl. changing rooms, canteens (possibly serving healthy snacks/food), gyms, interviewing facilities, temporary holding cells, information desks, private reporting facilities, decent offices both for officers as well as for the public, parking for police vehicles, briefing/debriefing rooms, etc.

instead get police to attend serious crimes (as they already do), handle public order complaints in better numbers and training. The 12 district stations all have their own separate office, high ranking officers managing each and every one, at least one "telephone orderly", a few drivers, no cleaners (they have to do it themselves) and are as efficient as a broken watermelon due to the entailed bureaucracy and medieval work practices!

Allan Gatt

Aug 11th 2011, 14:45

Way to go in helping the police's reputation as a fearless crime fighting unit. And why are those two cops in the picture wearing orange reflective vests? It's daytime. Everyone can see 'em. And why are they wearing helmets? It's a Segway, not a Kawasaki. You fall off a Segway, you deserve to bust your forehead on the pavement.

I see Robocop patrolling the streets, then I'm impressed. I see a cop on a Segway, all I can think of is I hope they raise the price of doughnuts.

Wilfrid Buttigieg

Aug 11th 2011, 14:40

I totally agree with Mr. Anglo Cilia! It is so difficult and dangerous to get on and off this machine. it moves by applying pressure to the base on which you stand on. Pressing your toes makes it move forward,and applying pressure to your heels makes it slow down, stop or reverse, and the handle is used for turning. I too think that there will be many accidents and injury claims....walk, or ride bicycles instead! The ex-owner of Segway Jimi Heselden, 62, died when he fell of a cliff while riding one. I suppose he must have been pretty well experienced in handling a Segway! Like Mr.Mario Vella, I think this will be a complete waste of our money! My advice to all pedestrians is..RUN FOR SAFETY AS FAST AS YOU CAN when you see anyone riding such a thing!

Mr Alexander Azzopardi

Aug 11th 2011, 14:39

nibqa sorprizz kemm aw min ghadu lura, ekk sew mela bhal barra min Malta mela qatt ma rajtuom il puluzija ta barra jew??

Reuben D. Spiteri

Aug 11th 2011, 14:38

Seeing this brings memories like this to mind:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLM3VdxqoqM

Anthony Busuttil

Aug 11th 2011, 14:38

This is a joke..........................
how can he patrol and concentrate on driving the Segway?
Can you imaging going down Old Bakery, St Paul street, down republic?

Joe Fenech

Aug 11th 2011, 14:35

Better to give them bicycles so our fat officers lose weight.

Whatever they use is better than cars - will avoid them racing against each other.

Bug Agius

Aug 11th 2011, 14:34

bil-giri naddieh u ninsih...

Luke Stivala

Aug 11th 2011, 14:34

The Segways are not used to run after criminals but to patrol the streets more effectively. I have seen many Policemen in Rome patroling with them.

Karl von Brockdorff

Aug 11th 2011, 14:34

Isnt it a bit dangerous to chase someone on a segway? Besides, all a thief would have to do it run up some steps and they are screwed. They look hilarious.

The advantages of a bicycle over a segway are numerous and should be the obvious choice.

Alfred Tabone

Aug 11th 2011, 14:34

Anything is good a long as they patrol all areas in Malta. The streets have been left alone too long now except from the usual couple of spots, which are like speed cameras. You behave when you are just a few meters away.

Charlton Bonello

Aug 11th 2011, 14:32

All I can say.. ONLY IN MALTA

Joe Fenech

Aug 11th 2011, 14:30

Stilts could have given them a panoramic view and a red nose could have provided some entertainment to a life-less city.

These are not the improvement our judicial system needs. What it needs is real justice, speed, and a better consideration of victims ad their families.

Franco Xuereb

Aug 11th 2011, 14:28

Who ever came up with this brilliant idea, deserves and must be recommended for the honorable medal namely the Banana Republic medal.

M Sammut

Aug 11th 2011, 14:26

This is a great competitor for Arriva
Actually I'm thinking to buy one for myself to go to work with :)

Ms Eve Axiaq

Aug 11th 2011, 14:24

U jekk ikunu qed jigru wara xi halliel tghid jirnexxilhom jaqbduh? u x'jigri fejn ikun hemm it- turgien, jabbandunaw is segways biex jaqbdu l- kriminal??

Mr Joseph Stafrace

Aug 11th 2011, 14:22

I think these Segways are more suitable for doctors at Mater Dei; considering the long and never ending corridors which they have to traverse daily. I can't imagine a cop chasing a thief on one of these!

George Caruana

Aug 11th 2011, 14:20

I think it s a joke its just a gimmik to do something different. What is the top speed of these things as im sure they would not be able to out run a person who has just commited an offence and then it would be that the segway instead would get stolen while the police try and chasse the culprit of the 1st crime. another well thought out idea by only in malta lol

Matthew Vella

Aug 11th 2011, 14:19

kif kien jghid John Bundy "Pajjiz tal-Micky Mouse".

Mr Charles Cremona

Aug 11th 2011, 14:19

What's wrong with walking, there is enough fat policemen in Malta as it is, if they start using these Segways they will become more unfit and obese.

Mr Philip Grech

Aug 11th 2011, 14:18

Shouldn't they have blue flashing lights and a klaxon?

D Borg

Aug 11th 2011, 14:17

nothing beats as chubby (to put it mildly) policeman/woman!

Steve Mifsud

Aug 11th 2011, 14:16

Loooooool

Mr R Bartolo

Aug 11th 2011, 14:15

Unfortunately a gimmicky and very expensive device (Euro5000+ for a basic model) set to go the way of the Sinclair C5 and similar.

Something that will stop at the first step (literally) of which Valletta is not lacking, and is too heavy to be carried any distance.

Keith Balzan

Aug 11th 2011, 14:13

great ! instead of letting them get more fit, make them more lazy and spend 2500 euros on a segway!!

J Pace

Aug 11th 2011, 14:13

I'm really hoping this is a joke. Who decided this would be a good idea? How exactly are you meant to enforce the law while riding a segway!? and how much does each one of these cost? and say one of these fine, segway-mounted officers of the law spots someone making off with a woman's purse se jixal in NOS and give chase? i don't think so, does he have to dismount, lock it up safely and then persue? I envision no scenario where a segway would help a police officer be better at their job. Thanks for using my tax money to make our country safer.

it would be pretty funny if they had sirens though xD

Patrick Camilleri

Aug 11th 2011, 14:13

Sounds like a good idea. Walking around in uniform in this heat can't be any fun at all.

Besides, the officers will be able to cover much more ground.

The idea of them having to walk to keep fit is ludicrous. When on patrol they should be on patrol in the most efficient way posisble. If they need to exercise it should be done in a gym when not on patrol!

Charles Micallef

Aug 11th 2011, 14:13

Is this for real?

D Bald

Aug 11th 2011, 14:09

Yeah...they'll look especially menacing and effective scuttling around in segweys...fail eh

angelo cilia

Aug 11th 2011, 14:09

Those devices are too dangerous to use, a pile of work related compensable injuries claims will soon follow.
Get police to walk the beat or on bicycles instead.

Mario Vella

Aug 11th 2011, 14:08

proset keep it up ..... l-aqwa li ghandna il-flus x`nahlu (fit -toys) .....

a borg

Aug 11th 2011, 14:07

toys for grown up men! pistoli tal-ilma jonqoshom!! :D (i bet that criminals will get their segways too in no time!) u halluna tridx! u kif ser jiddiljaw mal-bankini u turgien 'l haw' u 'l hemm?

Joseph Borg

Aug 11th 2011, 14:07

Ma tridx xejn biex nibdew naraw xi tigrija bihom il belt. Entertainment

Mr robert micallef

Aug 11th 2011, 14:06

just cycled 100km in 4 hours and i lost 3800 calories, can a segway beat that ?

Ryan Farrugia

Aug 11th 2011, 14:05

Great! That should increase our lead in Europe's most obese people.

Rhona Scerri

Aug 11th 2011, 14:05

It is always reassuring the police patrolling our streets, and we thank them for that, however I must agree with Mr Robert Micallef, I think high speed bicycles are better, it also helps to keep the police fitter. One last thing I would love to see policemen on bikes, cars whatever they want patrolling the inner streets of Sliema, as we ve had enough of the summer thugs called english language students that roam our streets at night.

Mr steve Micalled

Aug 11th 2011, 14:04

As usual from public funding - better money spent on paying overtime and for Police presence than silly gadgets. I am sure that that's not going to stop crime or even help the Police get there any faster or has someone been watching ''Mall Cop'' lol

Maria Zammit

Aug 11th 2011, 14:03

Ha ha ha.... :) Is this the joke of the day? April Fool?!!! :s

Honestly they really do look ridiculas... only police officers with a decreased ability should use them. Don't policemen walk anymore?

Better to invest in better conditions for policemen on fixed point duty such as sanitary facilities and shade!!! And better to invest in policemen's rest days and keep fit as we need fit policemen on our streets.

E Schembri

Aug 11th 2011, 14:02

That will ensure more fat belly policemen on the road!

J. De Bono

Aug 11th 2011, 14:01

This is a bit controversial, so the police force is going to add extra cost to the people while in fact making themselves less effective (lazier) and less likely to keep up in a chase... not to mention these Segway’s are limited to flat streets and payments. I don’t mean to be rude when pointing this out but for example one of the officers in the video is clearly overweight and a Segway is the last thing that is going to help. I believe the funds would be much better allocated to more training for officers or better relevant equipment, maybe tasers to break up brawls or catch a running thief..... anything but a Segway, even though one might argue the police may be able to cover larger areas when patrolling this way, there is little reason to patrol if they cannot catch the culprit if ever required.

Reuben Abela

Aug 11th 2011, 14:00

the one on the left seems to have a few extra kilos... this surely won't help

Mr Dunstan Crockford

Aug 11th 2011, 13:59

...and don`t they look DAFT!!!! If they apprehend anyone...it`s bye to their Segway and equipment!!!

Bert Muscat

Aug 11th 2011, 13:50

That should keep them fit!!

Mr robert micallef

Aug 11th 2011, 13:50

please give them bicycles, cheaper , faster and looks cooler. sorry they look silly on those things. are we now too lazy to even use a bicycle ? at least it will get other people interested in cycling

D. Xerri

Aug 11th 2011, 13:50

We Would like to see police on patrol NOT ONLY in Valletta but in busy areas like Hamrun,Sliema,B`Kara for example in Main Roads - Segways would be good too for Wardens !

Victor Pulis

Aug 11th 2011, 13:48

Better than skateboarding!

Mr Joe Cardona

Aug 11th 2011, 13:48

I never saw them in major cities in England. I only saw police on foot for patroling.