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Killeen council hears pitch for $149,000 SWAT robot and five‑year Axon contract amendment; no formal action taken in work session
Summary
City staff presented purchase of an I Core Technology tactical SWAT robot ($149,144.28) and upgrades to Axon contracts (roughly $300,387.60 over five years) for police robotics and drones; chief and residents argued it will save lives while others said roads need funding. Council took no final vote in the work session.
Chief of Police Joseph Lopez outlined the Killeen Police Department's request to modernize its tactical robotics and indoor drone capabilities, saying the equipment would reduce risk to officers and civilians during high‑risk incidents.
"Remote entry using a SWAT robot allows officers to assess threats, clear hazards, and gather critical intelligence from inside a structure, while significantly reducing the risk of entry or loss of life to personnel," Chief Lopez said during the Jan. 20 work session. Staff asked council to authorize the city manager to execute a purchase agreement with I Core…
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