San Francisco Approves Motion for Police to Deploy Robots Capable of Using Deadly Force
San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors is backing a policy that seems like something out of the beginning of a 1980s dystopian sci-fi movie. In a vote on Tuesday, the 11-member board approved a measure granting permission…
San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors is backing a policy that seems like something out of the beginning of a 1980s dystopian sci-fi movie.
In a vote on Tuesday, the 11-member board approved a measure granting permission for the police to deploy armed robots in certain situations.
City Supervisor Rafael Mandelman explained the police will have access to seven robots.
The robots are “designed to neutralize dispose of bombs, and provide video reconnaissance for operators.”
“Under this policy, SFPD is authorized to use these robots to carry out deadly force in extremely limited situations when risk to loss of life to members of the public or officers is imminent and outweighs any other force option available,” he explained.
He added, “Despite the hyperbole expressed by many who oppose this policy, I believe it lays out reasonable restrictions on the use of robots.”
However, Hillary Ronen, one of the supervisors opposed to the measure, tweeted, “Beyond disappointed that the Board seems poised to allow SFPD to use weaponized robots to use force against human beings. Only 4 of us clearly against. Shortsighted, dangerous, sad. The spirit of the SF I have always admired is weeping today.”
https://twitter.com/HillaryRonen/status/1597760412757262336
The San Francisco Police Department said in a statement that it does not have pre-armed robots, nor does it plan to arm them with guns. However, it may equip them with explosives designed to “contact, incapacitate, or disorient violent, armed, or dangerous suspect.”