DATE: MAY 24, 2022
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
FROM: ROBERTO FILICE, CHIEF OF POLICE
BY: TONYA ERICKSON, MANAGEMENT ANALYST
TITLE: EQUIPMENT DONATION FROM TRANSCEND ROBOTICS
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution accepting the donation of a Vantage Robot, facilitated through Transcend Robotics, and authorizing the execution of all necessary acceptance documents.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council accept the donation of a fully loaded Vantage Robot and authorize the execution of all necessary donation acceptance documents.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Transcend Robotics is facilitating the donation of a fully loaded Vantage Robot to the Salinas Police Department. The Vantage Robot, valued at $25,500, is a beneficial de-escalation device that can be used by trained members of the Salinas Police Department. Assembly Bill 481, codified in Government Code sections 7070 through 7075, requires a law enforcement agency (LEA) to obtain approval from the applicable governing body prior to the funding, acquisition, or use of “Military Equipment” as defined by the Bill. As unmanned, remotely piloted, powered ground vehicles such as the Vantage Robot is defined as “Military Equipment” per AB 481, we are seeking City Council approval prior to acquiring the item through donation.
BACKGROUND:
The Salinas Police Department was contacted by the CEO of Transcend Robotics regarding the donation of a fully loaded Vantage Robot valued at $25,500. The donor is an entrepreneur who desires to see expanded access to these life-saving robots and “he believes the sluggish adoption rate is a funding problem.” Per the attached donation letter, he has donated over 12 robots to local agencies to date.
The Vantage Robot is a beneficial de-escalation device to be used during potentially dangerous situations as it has the ability to enter a home or building ahead of officers to view and inspect locations from a position of safety. The Vantage Robot has a patented stair and obstacle climbing system which allows the robot to drive over a variety of obstacles automatically, thus allowing the robot to seamlessly access critical areas. The robot is equipped with cameras and two-way audio, thus providing the ability to establish visual and verbal communication with a subject. The availability of equipment such as this enhances the safety of both officers and the community during critical incidents.
Members of the Salinas Police are familiar with the Vantage Robot as they previously researched the equipment several years ago and were able to test during an extended demonstration. The Police Department wanted to purchase the Vantage Robot but were unable to secure the funding at the time.
Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered ground vehicles have been used by the Salinas Police Department for many years and are currently used exclusively by the SWAT Team. The department currently has three robots, but none have the extended range or automatic stair and obstacle climbing chassis present on the Vantage Robot. The addition of the Vantage Robot, with the simplified controls and automatic climbing capabilities, may allow for expanded use of this equipment. Robots are a vital tool when working to de-escalate situations as it allows officers to address critical incidents from a greater distance, and it enables the gathering of intelligence in a non-confrontational manner while facilitating the establishment of visual and verbal communication with a potential community member in crisis. Only assigned operators who have completed required training are permitted to operate a robot. Use must be authorized by the Incident or Tactical Commander and is subject to applicable laws and department policies.
Assembly Bill 481 – Military Equipment Funding, Acquisition, and Use, requires the Salinas Police Department to obtain approval from the Salinas City Council prior to the funding, acquisition, or use of “Military Equipment” as defined by the Bill. The Vantage Robot meets the criteria of Category 1: Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial or ground vehicles, and thus City Council approved is required prior to acquisition. More information about AB 481, including Salinas Police Department’s policy and equipment inventory are available at www.salinaspd.org/assembly-bill-481. Salinas Police Department Policy 709 Addendum A provides the applicable equipment inventory, including the purpose of equipment, cost, lifespan, and authorized use.
POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
The Police Department plans to share information regarding the donation of the Vantage Robot from Transcend Robotics during the Police Community Advisory Committee’s next meeting on May 25, 2022. During that meeting, committee members will have an opportunity to learn more about this equipment and how it will be used at the Salinas Police Department. The Police Chief and Sergeant James Godwin presented information regarding AB 481 – Military Equipment Funding, Acquisition, and Use to PCAC on March 30, 2022. The Committee was able to ask questions and provide comments at that time.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Accepting this donation will support the City Council’s Strategic Plan Goal of Public Safety.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Police Department and Legal Department have discussed this donation and will coordinate the execution of all required donation paperwork.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There is no cost to the City of Salinas associated with the acceptance of this donation via Transcend Robotics.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Transcend Robotics Donation Letter
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