By Megan Goodson
The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS — Beyond squad cars and motorcycles, bikes and horses, Dallas cops have a new piece of patrol arsenal. It’s a souped-up chariot, complete with sirens and emergency lights. Three wheels. All electric. Maximum speed 25 mph.
“They’re always pointing at it, thinking it looks like something from Star Wars,” Deputy Chief Vincent Golbeck said of the crowd reaction.
For about a year, a squad of Dallas police officers has been driving the so-called T3, commonly mistaken for a Segway, around downtown, at the Dallas Farmers Market, festivals and other events.
After Assistant Chief Daniel Garcia saw the electric mobility device at a police chiefs convention, the California-based manufacturer, T3 Motion, made a presentation about the device, built specifically for law enforcement, with three wheels for more stability. After a week of field testing in the spring of 2008, the department purchased two, at about $8,000 each.
The electrically powered T3 is eco-friendly, releasing zero emissions. A fully charged battery lasts eight to 10 hours, or one patrol shift. It zips along at 20 to 25 mph, but for safety reasons, the DPD set theirs at a maximum of 12-15 mph.
Designed mostly for roadway and pavement use, the T3 allows officers to stand at an elevated position, gaining a higher sightline. It’s slightly higher than being on a bicycle, but is less tiring - especially in the wilting summer heat - because they don’t have to pedal. Although officers on horseback have an even better sightline, the animals are more costly and require extensive care in comparison to the T3, Golbeck said.
Officers voluntarily drive the T3 but must first be trained. Ten DPD officers have done so, and often can be spotted during special events with large crowds. The officers say they are more approachable on the T3 than if they were in a patrol car. People are drawn to the machine and often walk up and start asking questions. “The T3 enhances personal communication between police officer and citizen,” Golbeck said. Kids especially are drawn to the bizarre-looking vehicle, he said.
Golbeck said Chief David Kunkle likes the T3, and three more have been ordered. Because of the early success, the department may begin using them to patrol Uptown. Though some officers are reluctant to jump on the T3, they become fans once they try it, said Lt. Kimberly Owens, an early backer of the project who has been on it for some patrols. “I enjoyed it ... to get to interact with people that way,” she said.
Copyright 2009 The Dallas Morning News