With the high-profile nature of the Super Bowl, police and security agencies in the host cities typically employ the latest technology to ensure the security and safety of those attending the event. Moreover, because of the demands that these large-scale events place on personnel, police agencies need specialized equipment and tools to make each of their officers more productive and efficient. More than 72,000 people are expected to attend Super Bowl XLII at University of Phoenix Stadium on Feb. 3, and thousands more are expected to take part in pre-game festivities in the Glendale area. In addition, more than 140 million people in the United States are expected to watch the game live on television.

The Glendale Police Department will be using Segway Personal Transporters (PTs) to provide security services at the Super Bowl. The department will use Segway i2 and x2 police models to patrol the walkways, parking lots and exhibition areas around the stadium. In addition, the police department will also patrol NFL-sponsored events throughout the city during the days leading up to the game.

"The Segway PT is a safe and productive way for us to enhance our security presence at large-scale events such as the Super Bowl," says Jim Toomey, public information officer for the Glendale Police Department. "This stadium is one of the most technologically advanced venues in the world, and the simplicity and efficiency of the Segway PT is a perfect fit for this environment."

Police and security officers use Segway PTs to patrol large events. The Segway PT's ability to stand still, turn in place or travel with pedestrian flow enables officers to move through crowds more easily than they could in a patrol car, or on a bike or motorcycle. In addition, officers stand 8-in. taller on these units, enabling them to have sight lines over people and automobiles. The Segway PTs use no gasoline, give off no emissions and are quiet. Accordingly, they can be used both indoors and out.

In addition to the Glendale Police Department, the Glendale Fire Department and the security department at University of Phoenix Stadium will also employ Segway PTs during Super Bowl week. The Glendale Fire Department owns eight Segway PTs, which their paramedics use to provide emergency medical services at the stadium and throughout the city. Global Spectrum, the organization responsible for security at the stadium, also has two Segway PTs that they use during football games and other stadium events.

According to thebostonchannel.com, Security Detection, Watertown, Mass., will provide screening systems for the Super Bowl. "It's actually a national security event, so they're not going to mess around with anything or take any chances," says Michael White, Security Detection.

White's company is sending 41 walk-through metal detectors to Arizona, and is also providing 250 hand-held devices, along with four X-ray machines. "We're looking for any guns, knives, explosive devices, anything that can harm somebody," White says.

He advises fans entering the stadium not to try to sneak anything dangerous by the machines. "You won't get away with it. [These] see through everything," he says.


Wardy Landrau
Badge@11509