Security rides high on Segways www.privateofficer.com

ON THE BEAT IN CHICAGO

Dec. 29, 2007

Gurnee Mills security officers bob and weave through crowds of holiday shoppers, sometimes reaching speeds of 4 to 6 mph when they are in the clear.
The quicker pace of patrols comes courtesy of Segway Personal Transporters.
Gurnee Mills covers about two miles from one end to the other. That's one reason the two-wheel contraptions were sought by parent company Simon Property Group, said Allison Patz, director of mall marketing.
"Simon Property Group chose Segways to augment our security force at many of our malls as a way to navigate the mall more quickly and efficiently," Patz said.
Gurnee Mills started using Segways in August, long before holiday shoppers arrived. It joins Woodfield Shopping Center and other Chicago-area malls in using the equipment.
"We've been using them at Woodfield over a year now," said general manager Marc Strich. "They're very effective."
Bannockburn-based IPC International Corp. is contracted to provide security at Gurnee Mills, Woodfield and more than 450 malls in North America and the United Kingdom. IPC's Segway use is part of its "Let's Get Visible" security campaign, launched for the holiday shopping season in November.
IPC's executive vice president of national operations, Joseph Marcello, said the security guards gain 8 inches in height on the Segway, so they can see more on patrol. He said the Segway also has allowed malls to gently show customers a security presence while adding to their comfort level when shopping.
"We're not going to stay away from walking," Marcello added.
Marcello said security workers receive thorough Segway training so they can safely navigate crowds. He said the guards keep to the lower end of the three-speed Segway at 4 to 6 mph -- they have a top speed of 12 mph.
Strich said the Segways aren't used at Woodfield when the mammoth mall is jammed to capacity. However, using them to patrol Woodfield's three levels hasn't been a problem, he added.
Gurnee police have a full-time presence at Gurnee Mills, but deputy police chief Kevin Woodside said the officers won't have a need for the Segway because they don't constantly walk the mall like the security guards.