The Phoenix Police Department recently purchased an agile mobile robot, Spot. This is a new tool for the Special Assignments Unit (SAU) and resembles a dog.
Spot joined the collection of tools that SAU has available to assist them during tactical situations.
The Special Assignments Unit is a tactical unit that has a variety of capabilities. Most frequently the team is used for high-risk apprehensions, high-risk search warrants, hostage rescue and barricades.
“We have lots of different pieces of technology," said SAU Sergeant Marcus Allen. “Each one of them is very good at something, but not necessarily good at everything. When we started to look at the gaps that we had in some of our technology and some things that we needed to be able to overcome, the robot dog was one of the things that kept rising to the top."
Some areas that the robot dog can be used that other tools do not offer include, ability to open doors, traverse uneven or loose terrain and climb stairs. The dog is equipped with multiple cameras, giving officers the ability to see in real-time the area the dog is in.
The dog also has self-righting technology for if it falls over or is pushed. Additionally, there is anti-collision technology that allows it to stop and move around objects that get in its path.
There are some preprogramed capabilities, like types of door handles and how to open them, but the dog is operated by a trained officer in the Special Vehicles Detail. There has been several months training with SAU and the Spot operators before using the new tool in a call for service.
The Phoenix Police Department is the first agency in the Valley to purchase a robot dog, but other major cities around the country and federal agencies have already deployed this tool.
“SAU is always looking to innovate, always looking for ways to advance our technology, always looking for ways to, get better at what we do, whether it be digital technology or vehicle safety or any other aspect," shared Allen.
Looking forward, SAU hopes to add some additional features to the dog. Spot can be equipped with radiation detection. The dog can be sent into an area with hazardous conditions and feedback information about what contaminant is in the air.
Another feature the unit is looking into for the future is its mesh technology. It has the ability to boost the communications among the team if they are in an area where cellphones and/or radios are not working.
All the features that Spot has the capability of can help provide better service to the community and officer safety during high-risk incidents.
