I grew up in Manchester, NH where the Segway was developed and I was visiting relatives a little after 2000 and it was so creepy to see cops crusing around on Segways in the parking lot of the abandoned Zayres store.

One problem I encountered is that a Segway takes up all the space on a sidewalk with parking meters on it, pedestrians would have to step aside.

I saw cops on Segways somewhere in Spain. I asked about it, and the reasoning behind it was that it would make it more likely that people would come up and talk to them. Initially to ask about the goofy vehicle, but then to start complaining about criminal activity they'd seen, or ask for advice, etc. Not being able to take them seriously was the crux of it!

I saw cops on Segways in two major American cities as recently as this month.

They failed for the average consumer, but they served a purpose for other sectors.

Fortunately, the economic downturn seem to have killed them off for group tours.

Why should cops look tough? I would rather a cop on a segway than sitting in a camaro.

I think cops like these things for the same reason they like horses - You can see above everyone's heads when you're standing up on them.