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NEWS > GAMES > CHICAGO POLICE TO USE WII BALANCE BOARD IN VEHICLES
CHICAGO POLICE TO USE WII BALANCE BOARD IN VEHICLES
October 10 2009
Chicago, IL – The Nintendo Wii has been, and continues to be, perhaps the greatest phenomenon’s in the history of the video game industry. With millions of units sold and a level of zeitgeist never before accomplished in the field, the Wii has cemented
itself not only as deeply important to the history and future of video games but also wider popular culture. With the system reaching the hearts and minds of gamers and non-gamers alike, the platform as ensured a place for the machine and video games across a huge spectrum of the population.
One segment of the population that has taken on the Wii as an almost mascot is the Chicago Police Department which has reportedly been negotiating with Nintendo to implement the system into all of their police cars. Though the small confines of a police are less than ideal for playing the waggle-system, the department has reportedly had great success in experiments with the Wii balance board in ascertaining whether or not a driver has imbibed too much alcohol. Satisfied with the results, the department has decided to implement the system across the city in hopes of nailing more drunk drivers, and having fun in the process.
“The Wii balance board is the perfect tool for out men and women. It is easy to use and gives a completely accurate portrait of a suspect’s ability to comprehend and balance themselves. Traditionally we have used the types of techniques you have seen on television; walking the center line and reciting the alphabet. While those techniques are effective they do not give an accurate portrayal of how drunk a person might be, which is where the Wii comes in,” said Chicago Police Superintendent Jody P. Weis. “We feel this is the most accurate and most entertaining way to determine a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle. And yes, we will be getting a few games of bowling in during downtimes.”
Weis noted that such recreational activity will allow officers to stay in shape while still on the job.
“This is perhaps the most innovative use of the Wii and the balance board yet. We are
overjoyed that the Wii will now be used to fight crime and make the lives and jobs of police officers much easier. We believe this trial program will elicit a strong response which will extend to other police agencies,” said Nintendo in a statement. “We are looking forward to participating with law agencies across the United States and pledge to bring the Wii home experience to police vehicles. We believe this is the start of a new and exciting trend that will finally put video games into emergency vehicle across the spectrum and ensure an entertaining experience for everyone.”
Because of the success of the pilot program, Chicago officials have also begun experimenting with game consoles in ambulances. A similar program in fire trucks was ended earlier this year because of a limited appeal and space inside the trucks.
“When the Wii was first announced I doubt anyone would have thought that it would have made its way into the law enforcement realm. Traditionally video games are meant for fun not keeping social law and order but like many things in this generation Nintendo has really reinvented things,” said Scrape TV Gaming analyst Graeme Hawthorne. “From what I’ve heard though not everyone is totally happy. Most officers would have preferred 360’s in their units but until Natal is released that doesn’t seem very likely. Apparently no one wants the PS3 but that was to be expected.”
Two officers caught with a copy of the newest Jillian Michaels game in their cruiser reportedly resigned recently, highlighting one potential issue with the plan.
Douglas Havermore, Games Correspondent
NEWS > GAMES > CHICAGO POLICE TO USE WII BALANCE BOARD IN VEHICLES
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