Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
A pplicable Use Policy: DGO I-26, R emoted C ontrolled G round Systems (R obots) and Pole C ameras
D escription and Purpose
ICOR M ini Caliber
De s cr ip t io n A n unmanned machine guided and remotely controlled by an officer. T he I C OR M ini C aliber is ground operated and has several attachments which can assist in opening doors, delivery of items and or the ability to demobilize vehicle’ s tires, break glass or bypass locks or destroy packages.
M anufacturer’s
Product D escription
D esigned for rapid tactical missions, the robot is simple to operate and quick to deploy for searching rooms, hallways, stairwells and confined spaces. W ith rubber tracks and articulating front and rear flippers, the M ini-C A L IBER effortlessly climbs stairs. It also includes an extendible rotating claw arm that simplifies opening door handles.
How the item works The robot is controlled by remote controllers. Operators will utilize the remote controller to direct the robot to climb stairs, move in all angles and control the robotic arm.
E xpected lifespan N ot listed with manufacturer or website; with care can last several years. B atteries have shorter life spans as they gradually deteriorate due to normal usage
Quantity 1 owned
Purpose and
intended uses
and/or effects
U nderstanding that real time intelligence can provide officers safety and tactical advantages, robots are beneficial in providing a ground level perspect ive of interior, or exterior, locations during barricaded incidents. T he usage of robots is in line with the mission of de -escalation and places officers at a safe distance. T his allows for the safe resolution of critical incidents and mitigates use of force incidents.
A vatar T actical R obot
De s cr ip t io n A n unmanned machine guided and remotely controlled by an officer. The A vatar T actical R obot is ground operated and has a robotic arm attachment which can assist in opening doors, delivery of items.
Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
2 | Page
M anufacturer’s
Product D escription
Th e AVATAR enhances the capabilities of SW A T and tactical response teams by allowing them to quickly and safely inspect dangerous situations, there is no longer a need to send personnel in before you’ ve had a chance to assess the situation.
How the item works The robot is controlled by remote controllers. Operators will utilize the remote controller to direct the robot to climb stairs, move in all angles and control the robotic arm.
E xpected lifespan N ot listed with manufacturer or website; with care can last several years. B atteries have shorter life spans as they gradually deteriorate due to normal usage
Quantity 2 owned
Purpose and
intended uses
and/or effects
U nderstanding that real time intelligence can provide officers safety and tactical advantages, robots are beneficial in providing a ground level perspective of interior, or exterior, locations during barricaded incidents. T he usage of robots is in line with the mission of de -escalation and places officers at a safe distance. T his allows for the safe resolution of critical incidents and mitigates use of force incidents.
A ndros M ark 5A-1
De s cr ip t io n A n unmanned machine guided and remotely controlled by an officer. The A ndros M ark 5A-1 is ground operated and has several attachments which can assist in opening doors, delivery of items and or the ability to demobilize vehicle’ s tires, break glass or bypass locks or destroy packages.
M anufacturer’s
Product D escription
Is a bomb disposal robot for the purpose of handling potential explosives without risking any lives . F irst responders around the world depend on the M arkV to handle potential hazards and explosives from outside the danger zone.
How the item works The robot is controlled by remote controllers. Operators will utilize the remote controller to direct the robot to climb stairs, move in all angles and control the robotic arm.
Exp e ct ed lifespan N ot listed with manufacturer or website; with care can last several years. B atteries have shorter life spans as they gradually deteriorate due to normal usage
Quantity 1 owned
Purpose and
intended uses
and/or effects
U nderstanding that re al time intelligence can provide officers safety and tactical advantages, robots are beneficial in providing a ground level perspective of interior, or exterior, locations during barricaded incidents. T he usage of robots is in line with the Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
3 | Page
mission of de -escalation and places officers at a safe distance. T his allows for the safe resolution of critical incidents and mitigates use of force incidents.
R econ Scout R econnaissance R obot
De s cr ip t io n A n unmanned machine guided and remotely controlled by an officer. The R econ Scout R econnaissance R obot is ground operated, light weight at 1.2lbs.
M anufacturer’s
Product D escription
R econ Scout X T, a small throwable reconnaissance robot is for use in law enforcement and military applications . The robot can be used by warfighters, dismounted patrols, special weapons and tactics (SW A T) and other special operations teams. The robot offers real-time situational awareness and greater stand -off distance.
How the item works The robot is controlle d by remote controllers. Operators will utilize the remote controller to direct the robot to climb stairs, move in all angles and control the robotic arm.
E xpected lifespan N ot listed with manufacturer or website; with care can last several years. B atteries have shorter life spans as they gradually deteriorate due to normal usage
Quantity 1 owned
Purpose and
intended uses
and/or effects
U nderstanding that real time intelligence can provide officers safety and tactical advantages, robots are beneficial in providing a ground level perspective of interior, or exterior, locations during barricaded incidents. T he usage of robots is in line with the mission of de -escalation and places officers at a safe distance. T his allows for the safe resolution of critical incidents and mitigates use of force incidents.
Tactical Electronics LPSS3 Long Police W ireless V ideo Camera De s cr ip t io n An extendable pole up to 20ft with a camera mounted.
M anufacturer’s
Product D escription
T he L PSS3 L ong Pole Search System provides wireless video surveillance of subjects at significant heights and distances. T he system features a 20ft telescoping pole, a flexible neck camera head, eight I R L E D s, and an internal D V R for video recording. T he main housing is conveniently stored inside the collapsed pole for timely stowaway. T he upgraded features and streamlined design of the L PSS3 combine compact portability and rapid deployment with covert wireless vision.
Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
4 | Page
How the item works The pole is controlled by a police officer through kinetic energy.
Operators will utilize the pole and extend or retract the pole to the desired length and the camera will transmit live feed images or video on a remote L C D device.
E xpected lifespan Not list e d with manufacturer or website; with care can last several years.
Quantity 1 owned
Purpose and
intended uses
and/or effects
U nderstanding that real time intelligence can provide officers safety and tactical advantages, pole cameras are beneficial in providing a wireless video live feed to officers at a safe location.
The usage of cameras is in line with the mission of de -esca lation and places officers at a safe distance. T his allows for the safe resolution of critical incidents and mitigates use of force incidents.
Z istos Tactical System
De s cr ip t io n A n extendable pole up to 14ft with a camera mounted.
M anufacturer’s
Product D escription
W hen it is too dangerous to physically look into a room or space, let Zistos be your eyes. Our wide range of H D T actical Pole C ameras help law enforcement and government agency personnel more safely and effectively perfo rm surveillance functions during tactical missions.
How the item works The pole is controlled by a police officer through kinetic energy.
Operators will utilize the pole and extend or retract the pole to the desired length and the camera will transmit live feed images or video on a remote L C D device.
E xpected lifespan N ot listed with manufacturer or website; with care can last several years.
Quantity 1 owned
Purpose and
intended uses
and/or effects
U nderstanding that real time intellige nce can provide officers safety and tactical advantages, pole cameras are beneficial in providing a wireless video live feed to officers at a safe location.
T he usage of cameras is in line with the mission of de- escalation and places officers at a safe distance. T his allows for the safe resolution of critical incidents and mitigates use of force incidents.
Fiscal C osts
Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
5 | Page
Initial Costs
T he Oakland Police D epartment (OPD) currently owns/possesses/uses the equipment .
I nitial costs (if known) to obtain the equipment were:
I nitial costs of the items were approximately:
E quipment Per-unit cost Total cost
ICORE Min i Ca lib e r ~$119,000 ~$119,000
A vatar T actical R obot ~$40,000 ~$80,000
A ndros M ark 5A-1 ~$280,000 ~$280,000
R econ Scout R econnaissance R obot ~$7,500 ~$7,500
Tactical Electronics LPSS3 Long Police
W ireless V ideo C amera
~$11,000 ~$11,000
Z istos T actical System V ideo C amera ~$11,000 ~$11,000
☐ OPD proposes to obtain the equipment. Initial costs are anticipated to be:
E stimated or anticipated costs for each proposed use
R obots and pole cameras are stored in locked and secured facility, and or vehicle, at the Oakland Police D epartment. T he E lectronic Services U nit (E SU ) members have access to robots and pole cameras and will respond to an incident with the equipment when requested by an I ncident C ommander. E SU members may be on duty during incidents requiring the R obot(s) or pole camera(s). I f they are, they may deploy as patrol officers, or as their regular duty assignment, and utilize any one of the devices . F or a tactical team call-out, other E SU members will respond even if they are off -duty, resulting in overtime expenditures. T he amount of the expenditure is based on the time the incident takes to resolve. Over time deployments can be tracked utilizing an i -code through fiscal. Currently, OPD E SU has a staffing of 1 L ieutenant, 1 Sergeant and 14 Officers. OPD E SU has deployed robots and or pole cameras a total of fifty -seven (57) times in 2022, and eighteen (18) of these deployments were during bi -monthly trainin g. OPD E SU members are not selected to the team based on their assignment, but rather by their ranking during the Order of M erit List ( OML) selection process . H owever, applicants need to be assigned to a field assignment at the time of Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
6 | Page
application as op posed to office assignment. B ased on the staffing levels and assignments in 2022 of E SU, OPD had full coverage throughout the week except for several nights between 2am-7am. E very January exists watch change and officers select their patrol assignments based on seniority. This minor shortfall on coverage may change next year due to the watch change.
It is also the goal of OPD E SU to expand our team to twenty (20) Officers in 2025. This will assist in coverage and in workload.
Un like t he OPD’s UAS Program where it is required to have a V isual Observer (V O) and recommended to have a third officer as cover, operating a robot or pole camera does not require a V O. H owever, it is highly recommended to have an additional officer to assist the robot operator and to act as cover when feasible.
E stimated or anticipated costs of potential adverse impacts Potential adverse effects are myriad, and there is no way of anticipating every possible adverse impact. A dditionally, even some known possible adverse effects may be so remote that they were not assessed for the purposes of this report. Finally, costs of even likely adverse effects may vary wildly based on other circumstances which are difficult to predict and can vary from incident to incident. Ke e p ing this in mind, some potential adverse effects and their possible costs are:
D eliberate misuse might cause the D epartment to be exposed to liability, which could include monetary judgments against the C ity.
U nintentional misuse might cause the D epartment to be exposed to liability, which could include monetary judgments against the C ity.
F ailures of the equipment might cause the D epartment to have to purchase additional items, at a cost per item as indicated.
Estimated or anticipated ongoing costs
C osts for operation include training, personnel, maintenance and upgrade costs.
T raining and personnel costs – C urrently, E SU has mandatory training twice a month. This training consists of two 10 -hour days and typically occurs at the OPD or any other nearby facility or location. T here has not been any rental fees or associated costs to locations of training currently. Some training may either require the E SU member attending to be on Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
7 | Page
overtime, or for overtime to backfill that respective E SU members position while they are at training. I f an E SU member elects to attend a POST certified training or outside training course there could be associated costs. Unknown yearly costs.
Storage costs – R obots and pole cameras are housed at secured OPD facilities and vehicles and there are no associated costs.
M aintenance and upgrade costs – C urrently, there is no known life span for a robot or pole camera. W ith proper care the life expectancy will be longer. H owever, normal wear and tear can take place and will require replacement of parts. D epending on the part, the cost per item can range from fractions of a dollar to several hundred dollars.
Several recent costs for replacement, maintenance and repairs are listed below for 2021-2022 year:
Da t e E quipment
Summary of repair / maintenance
and or replacement Total C ost
July 2022 ICORE M INI Gearbox A ssembly 1,382.81
US$1,382.81
EA 2 M INI Flipper A rm 700M M 99.93
US$199.86
EA 2 MINI Fl i p p e r Ar m 7 3 0 MM
117.15 US$234.30
EA 2 24V DC Battery Pack - Mi n i
Spare/R eplacement 24V D C
B attery Pack
fo r Mi n i-CALIBER' " Ro b o t In clu d e s :
2x
12.8V / 9.6 A H L iFeP04
R eplacement
battery for use with the M ini-
CALIBER' "
R obot (note: The M ini-CALIBER' "
uses 2
~$4,427
Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
8 | Page
L iF eP04 batteries for 24V
operation
655.00 US$1,310.00
EA 2 CCU Battery - Mi n i
Spare/R eplacement
11.lV / 7.8A h L i-Ion for use with the
Mi n i-CALIBER' " CCU
165.00 US$330.00
February 2022 AVATAR 3 B atteries. B atteries
outdated/Not charging.
R eplacement.
~$1,433
A ugust 2021 AVATAR B attery H andle B roken, Touch
Screen C ontroller not functioning,
C amera F an replacement, R obot
A ntenna broken
~$1,272
A ugust 2021 AVATAR B attery H andle B roken, Touch
Screen not functioning, PTZ
M olded C amera Housing, R adio
C ard, R obot A ntenna, C ables,
~$4,328
T he I C OR E M ini C aliber was purchased in 2019. T he A V A T A R was purchased prior to 2012, thus the outdated technology and the frequent repairs. T he I C OR E M ini C aliber is the newest robot in our Fleet and the one which is more frequently used.
Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
9 | Page
Impa cts
Reasonably anticipated impacts
D eliberate misuse.
Though unlikely, it is possible that R obots and Pole C ameras may be deliberately misused by employees. Some of the ways that the D epartment attempts to prevent deliberate misuse is through background checks of prospective employees, supervision and training, strict policy guidelines, robust reporting and accountability practices, and discipline for deliberate misconduct up to and including termination. Suspected c riminal misuse of equipment may also be forwarded to the D istrict A ttorney’ s office or other appropriate prosecuting agency for charging consideration.
Unintentional misuse.
Unintentional misuse of R obots and Pole C ameras may come in many forms , from unfamiliarity or lack of training to t he encountering of a scenario that was not anticipated in training or policy. T he D epartment attempts to prevent unintentional misuse through thorough training, clear policy prescriptions, and robust review processes such as force reports, force review boards, and pursuit review boards.
Perception of militarization or exacerbation of a police/community divide.
W hile it is not the intent of the D epartment that this occur, the D epartment does recognize the possibility t hat its use of R obots and Pole C ameras may lead to a perception of militarization of the D epartment, or an exacerbation of any existing divides between the D epartment and the community it serves and is a part of. T he D epartment attempts to overcome chal lenges such as this by taking full advantage of community forums required by policy and law (see for instance the mandated community engagement meeting in D G O K -07 and C A G overnment C ode § 7072(b)), by completing full and robust reports such as this one, and by collaborating with the Police C ommission in the creation of use policies and procedural safeguards surrounding this equipment.
Impact on persons and property .
The attachments on the robots, such as the tire puncture, window punch and pan disruptor are available for demobilizing vehicles, shattering a window and bypassing a bolt/locked door or destroying a package. A nytime these attachments are deployed in the field, there exists the possibility that the attachment may cause minor to serious injury to a person.
Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
10 | Page
T here is also the possibility of property damage and unintended property damage when the tire puncture, window punch and pan disruptor are deployed. W hen the tire puncture , window puncture and pan disruptor are deployed on property t his does not constitute a use of force. However, there is an inherent possibility an injury can be caused when deploying such items when a person is nearby. T his possibility exists and is remedied by training; ESU operators train bi -monthly and only E SU operators are allowed to prepare and deploy robots in the field.
T he usage of the tire puncture will demobilize a vehicle and the usage of the window punch will shatter glass. T here are also other external costs associated. T he owner of said vehicle or property c an request reimbursement for costs through the C ity A ttorney’ s Office for property damages. D epending on the circumstances the C ity may reimburse an individual for damage to the property caused by the C ity. The process for obtaining reimbursement for property damage can be found on the Oakland C ity A ttorney’ s website. Officers should also be mindful not to leave a demobilized vehicle in the field if it violates a parking zone or leave a vehicle or residence unsecured when utilizing the glass punch.
Several of our unhoused community also sleep in their vehicles due to multiple reasons. The usage of such items can also cause a hardship on these individuals.
The usage and deployment of the detachable OC also can cause minor to serious injury. OPD shall be aware of T B V-F .02 C hemical A gents as it relates effects, applications, exposure, reactions and injury.
M it igat ions
Use of force and de -escalation policy – DGO K-03
C ontrolled and military equipment frequently takes the form of a force option, or else is often used during high risk situations where force may be used. OPD , in concert with the Police C ommission, created a state- of-the -art use of force policy that centers the D epartment’ s mission, purpose, and core principles, provides clear guidance that force is only allowed when reasonable, necessary, and proportional, and makes clear the consequenc es of unreasonable force. A dditionally, OPD’s use of force policy incorporates a robust de- escalation policy (Section C ), which mandates that officers use de- escalation tactics and techniques in order to reduce the need for force when safe and feasible.
The entirety of this policy – which encapsulates OPD ’ s values surrounding force and commitment to de -escalation – is a clear general procedural mitigation to the possible adverse impacts of the use of this equipment.
Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
11 | Page
Force reporting and review policy and practice – DGOs K-04 and K-04.1 Though the D epartment expects that every use of this equipment will be within the boundaries of policy and law, the D epartment also has clear procedures regarding force reporting and review in place. DGO K-04 and its attendant special orders require that force by officers – including force where controlled equipment was used – be properly reported and reviewed, with the level of review commensurate to the severity of the force incident.
A dditionally, for severe uses of force or where a use of force had severe outcomes, the D epartment utilizes F orce R eview B oards, led by top D epartment command staff and often attended and observed by C ommunity Police R eview A gency staff or Police C ommission Ch a irs, to review every part of a force incident. T hese boards not only determine whether the force was proper, but also have wide latitude to suggest changes in policy, training, or practice, including with controlled equipment.
OPD ’s force reporting and review policies and practices serve as important procedural mitigations to the possible adverse impacts of the use of this equipment.
C omplaint receipt and investigation procedures – DGO M-03 The use of controlled equipment, as with any use of the police powers, is subject to the rules and laws that govern the D epartment and its employees. C omplaints and allegations that the D epartment or its employees have violated these rules or laws are treated with the utmost seriousness, including proper intake at the I nternal A ffairs D ivision and investigation by the appropriate investigative individual. W here allegations are found to be substantiated, the D epartment uses a progressive discipline structure to serve both deterrent and rehabilitative functions. F inally, deliberate misconduct or actions contrary to the D epartment’ s values are not tolerated and can lead to termination of employment.
OPD’s complaint receipt a nd investigation procedures serve as important procedural mitigations to the possible adverse impacts of the use of this equipment.
Community outreach and specific inquiry pathways – DGO K-07 U se of controlled equipment, especially equipment that may have analogues used by militaries or quasi -military federal law enforcement, can drive perceptions of a militarized police force that is pre -disposed to the use of force as opposed to thoughtful, deliberate resolutions to incidents using de -escalation and minim izing the use of force. A n important procedural mitigation to this type of perception is regularly communicating with the community served, as a way for information to be shared in both directions. This serves to dispel common misconceptions as well as provide valuable perspective for the D epartment and its employees. OPD uses community outreach, such as social media, community events, Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
12 | Page
and a specific, annual community forum as required by D G O K-07. A dditionally, OPD’s overarching controlled equipment po licy sets forth processes for inquiries about the equipment.
E quipment-specific use policy and Police Commission oversight – OM C 9.65 W hile most every law enforcement agency is bound by state law (G overnment C ode § 7070 et. seq.), the very nature of police oversight in Oakland provides one of the most powerful procedural mitigations of potentially adverse impacts. F or instance, state law requires that most agencies have their controlled equipment use policies approved by their governing body (e.g., C ity C ouncil, or Board of Supervisors). In the case of OPD , however, there is an additional layer of oversight in the Police C ommission, which must review any controlled equipment use policy prior to it being approved by the C ity C ouncil. This requirement, set forth in Oakland’ s municipal code section 9.65, is a procedural mitigation to the possible adverse impacts of the use of this equipment.
T echnical safeguards
The A ndros M arkV-A1 has an approximate top speed of 3.5mph while the A ndros and IC OR have top speeds of approximately 2mph. A ll robots are controlled by remote and there is no G PS and no pre-designated or mapped routes. T hese robots are equipped with lights and camera. T hese safeguards are in place which decrease the possibility of injury to persons from being inadvertently having a portion of their body run over by the robot. It also decreases the possibility of property damage. A lthough likely and still possible, the low speeds prevent these injuries and pr operty damages from occurring.
Procedural safeguards
OPD only allows E SU members, who have attended E SU training to operate robots and pole cameras. Officers must submit a letter of intent and go through a selection process prior to being selected to jo in the OPD E SU . Once selected, Officers must attend bi-monthly training and attend an OPD Basic R obot and Pole C amera Operators course, which is 40 hours. OPD ESU created this program in 2022 to educate new E SU operators with all the robots and pole came ras.
T he utilization of the OC and pan disruptor have safety level/switches on the remote controller as an added safety function and prevent accidently deployments. I n addition, E SU Operators are familiar with T B I I I H Specialty I mpact M unitions and apply the similar Safety C hecks of clearing the barrel, having a second officer clear the barrel and inspecting the rounds to ensure the rounds are blank rounds and having a second officer inspect the rounds to ensure the rounds are blank rounds.
Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
13 | Page
Al t e rnatives
De-escalation and alternative strategies
A s mentioned in the M itigations section, above, OPD officers are mandated to use de- escalation strategies and tactics when safe and feasible. T hese strategies and tactics, which are predicated on de- escalation best practices around communication, containment, positioning, and time/distance/cover, reflect the D epartment’ s commitment to de -escalation over the reliance on force to compel compliance.
H owever, even during de-escalation strategies and actions, controlled equipment may be used or ready to further a safe outcome to the event for the engaged per son, the community, and the officers. Generally, a built -in alternative to the actual use of controlled equipment – especially as a force option – is its use as a tool to provide safety, information, or containment to an incident so that officers can bring the situation under control and hopefully encourage a peaceful outcome. This, in conjunction with other de -escalation or alternative strategies, provides a baseline for OPD officers in the conduct of their duties when using or contemplating the use of this controlled equipment.
R obots and pole cameras have been utilized by OPD tactical team since approximately 2011.
I n late 2018, the E SU T eam L eader incorporated the robots and pole cameras with every day patrol calls. OPD officers in patrol or working field assignments, and having ESU training, would respond to calls to service and deploy robots and pole cameras to assist in critical incidents .
T here are many different types of robot and pole camera products. A lthough several agencies now deploy U A V s, robots and pole cameras have not become obsolete. U A V s cannot open doors as a robot can. U A V s also may not fit in attic or basement entry ways where a pole camera can. W ithout such technology, the only alternative in most cases would be the need for an officer to place themselves in a location to physically see or hear.
Without the real -time intelligence of a robot or pole camera some of the other options officers have are the following;
• air support (A rgus, or outside agency), but depending on time, weather and personnel air support may not be available or delayed.
• OPD K-9’ s can be utilized, but without first clearing the area the risk of a bite (use of force) is escalated
Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
14 | Page
• Officers can also use community support and contact a resident to have them look out a window which provides an additional vantage point. This has proven successful in the past but depending on circumstances this can place the resident in danger.
Lo c a t io n
R obots and Pole C ameras will typically be used within the areas that OPD has jurisdiction or in areas of the State of C alifornia where OPD is specifically conducting operations or investigations. This includes the entirety of the C ity of Oakland and may include neighboring jurisdictions or other areas within the State.
T hird Party D ependence
This item does not require third -party actors for operation. ☐ This item does require third -part actors for operation:
Track Record
Other agencies utilize robots and pole cameras similar to OPD . A s mentioned, even though several agencies have adopted U A V Programs, their robot and pole camera usages have not gone obsolete. Other agencies do not have any robots or pole cameras, while others have severely outdated t echnology.
Santa R osa Police D epartment have A vatar robots and deployed approximately ten (10) times in 2021. T he San F rancisco Police D epartment (SF PD ) also has A vatar robots and the A ndros M ark 5A-1. SF PD hosts a yearly maintenance course on the A ndros, where a representative attend and assists in repairs, maintenance, mechanical and troubleshoot issues.
R obots and pole cameras places officers at a place of advantage for safety. T he usage of use technology is paramount in the de -escalation of incid ents and the mitigation in use of force.
W ithout such technology, the only alternative in most cases would be the need for an officer to place themselves in areas where there is an unknown.
Below is a list of deployments in 2022.
Table 1 below details the deployments of OPD Robots and Pole Cameras in 2022.
Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
15 | Page
Table 1: 2022 OPD Robot and Pole Cameras Deployments
Incident Type Number
Mass casualty incidents 0
Disaster management 0
Missing or lost persons 0
Hazardous material releases 0
Sideshow events 0
Rescue operations 0
Training 18
Barricaded suspects 7
Hostage situations 1
Armed suicidal persons 1
Arrest of armed and/or dangerous persons 17
Service of high-risk search and arrest warrants 13
Exigent circumstances 0
Total 57
Total Deployed Outside of Training 39
The deployment of robots and pole cameras has assisted OPD in de- escalation and places the emphasis on “time”, “de -escalation” and “real -time intelligence” to bring incidents to a safe resolution. Several success stories on the deployment of robots and pole cameras have been:
- L ocating suspects hiding in yards
- L ocating suspects hiding in residences .
- R obots have been beneficial in climbing stairs, opening gates/doors and entering residences.
- T he speaker and microphone have been successful in directing suspects to exit and surrender.
On M arch 28, 2022, OPD C easefire Officers followed armed suspects from San F rancisco to 901 Filbert St (22-014673 L OP220328000794). T he suspects committed an armed robbery in SF and then barricaded themselves inside their apartment complex. A fter manually breaching the front door, OPD E SU drove the robot into the apartment complex, opened the bedroom door and provided orders/directions to the suspects to exit the residence with their hands in the air . The suspects safely complied.
On September 14, 2022, Patrol units were flagged down regarding an armed unresponsive male inside a vehicle. Patrol units deployed the armored vehicles and formed a D esignated Oakland Police D epartment
C ontrolled E quipment I mpact R eport
Item(s): R obots and Pole C ameras
16 | Page
Arrest Team (D A T ). Numerous announcements were made bu t the subject was unresponsive.
OPD U A V 's were deployed and conducted a low-level flight to maintain visual of the subject and the firearm that was on his lap. OPD E SU I C OR was deployed and the robotic arm was used to open the vehicle door and later picked up the firearm from the subject's lap. T he D A T moved up and later placed the subject into custody. The firearm was loaded with one round in the chamber RD#22-042263).