Police are keeping the downtown area safe with the help of two wheels.

“Downtown is very safe and very inviting, but what we wanted to do is try to increase the perception of a safer downtown,” says Joe Gudenrath, executive director of the Downtown Improvement District.

Last June, the DID donated two segways to the Omaha Police Department.

“The segways have allowed the police department to be highly visible. Citizens and visitors have seen the segways in use downtown, they appreciate having the sight of an officer in a nearby vicinity that is able to assist them if anything happens.”

Now they plan to donate two more batteries and chargers to help police patrol longer and more often. Lt. Michael McGee is OPD's lead segway instructor and says the segways are a great tool.

“It allows the officer to get around in a very quick manner without a lot of physical exertion.”

The segways elevate officers eight inches off the ground. “It allows you to see above a crowd to see what’s going on, look around your surroundings.”

McGee was teaching Officer Ricky Brown a few tricks. “Probably going off the curb has been the hardest part so far,” said Brown.

Once his training is finished, Officer Brown will soon join others patrolling the downtown area on segways. “I’m looking forward to more training. I want to ride this thing every day if I could."

Lt. McGee says the extra batteries and chargers will be a great asset to the officers. “Right now, when we run the battery out it has to completely recharge and that does take quite a bit of time. This will allow us to run the battery down, switch them out and then keep on going.”

The police department also utilizes the segways during special events.

During the month of April, third shift officers logged over 60 hours. Over that time period, they responded to 25 radio calls and made or issued 34 arrests and citations.