*The San Francisco Police Department may soon deploy killer robots.
The deadly robots will be armed with explosives that will be used “when risk of loss of life to members of the public or officers is imminent and outweighs any other force option available to SFPD,” per the original draft of a policy proposed by San Francisco Board of Supervisors, CBS News reports.
The board voted 8-3 in favor of a police proposal that will allow the SFPD to use military-grade weapons and lethal remote-controlled robots.
In the final of the policy draft, CBS reports that the phrase “outweighs any other force option available to SFPD” was replaced with “officers cannot subdue the threat after using alternative force options or de-escalation tactics options or conclude that they will not be able to subdue the threat after evaluating alternative force options and de-escalation tactics. Only the Chief, Assistant Chief of Operations, or Deputy Chief of Special Operations may authorize the use of robots as a deadly force option.”
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The controversial robotic technology has drawn criticism from opponents who believe the robots could “lead to the further militarization of a police force” that targets Black and Latino communities. Meanwhile, proponents view the police robots as vital for community safety.
“San Francisco is not a war zone, and these kinds of devices are not needed to protect this city,” said supervisor Dean Preston, who reportedly voted against the proposal. “There is serious potential for misuse and abuse of this military-grade technology, and zero showing of necessity.”
The purpose of the robots is to “enhance the safety of the community and officers by providing ground support and situational awareness for law enforcement operations,” per the draft proposal, via CBS.
The SFPD reportedly acquired several robots between 2010 and 2017. The department currently has 12 operational robots that are used to defuse potential bombs or in surveillance operations. The ordinance will allow police to equip the robots with explosives, not guns, according to reports.
Next week, the measure will be voted on again. If the ordinance passes, San Francisco Mayor London Breed must sign it within 10 days.
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