Feb-12-2009 10:31 AM
Security officers in Fort Myers are riding high and mighty at Edison Mall these days-they're patrolling double time on a pair of Segways. Officers ride at least one of the Segways during all the mall's regular hours. "It increases the visibility that our security officers have here," says the mall's Robert Edelen. "They're able to patrol the mall more quickly and efficiently."
At a leisurely pace of just six miles an hour, the officers won't be running down any flight-footed thieves, but they'll be able to make more routine patrols without wearing out shoes in the same amount of time. Shoppers love to see them and they generally break the ice wherever they're deployed. "You can't walk through the mall without noticing them," says Edelen. Before hopping on a Segway, officers must go through a 16-hour training session.
Simon Property Group, a company that provides security solutions to corporations all over the U.S., has announced it's rolling out Segway i2s to all of its shopping mall security guards. This will make Simon's fleet of 225 Segways the world's largest. Pedestrians love the Segway-mounted security guards, which provides the "social interaction" that makes their job just a little easier. Guards mounted on Segways are far more noticeable, which makes them that much more of a deterrent. Shoppers who frequent big city malls like San Diego, Las Vegas, Houston, Miami or Boston can expect to see more security guards patrolling the hallways and parking lots on these quiet and "green" vehicles.
Simon's use of Segway PTs at more than 125 shopping malls throughout the U.S. makes it the largest deployment by any company in the shopping center industry. Most of Simon's fleet consists of the latest-generation Segway models recently adopted by the New York City Police Department and numerous international airports.
Simon first began using Segway PTs for mall security patrols in 2004 with a trial program at mall locations in Texas. This successful pilot program promoted the deployment of Segway PTs in retail security. Simon then expanding their use and implementing specialized training programs that instructed security personnel on their use in a mall environment. By 2006, Simon had initiated a national Segway rollout to its properties.
"From day one of our Segway PT program, our goal has been to give our security personnel the tools they need to ensure that our mall guests and retail partners have a safe and enjoyable experience," says John Petruzzi, Vice President of Corporate Security and Emergency Management at Simon Property Group. "They have increased the visibility and range of our security personnel, and enabled them to swiftly respond to emergency situations wherever they might occur. The entire initiative has been very well received by our security personnel, our retail partners and millions of our mall guests.
Shopping retailer Westcor has followed suit and rolled out its own seven-man fleet of Segways at Arizona's Paradise Valley Mall. The nimble security team uses Segways to patrol the 38-acre Kierland Commons, help customers and, on occasion, catch a thief.
"We're finding the Segway not only helps our security officers respond quickly when they need to, but it also invites interaction with our customers," said William Harrell, assistant VP of security and guest services for Westcor. "This kind of positive connection with our visitors promotes the welcoming, secure environment we know is important to our Westcor consumers."