San Bernardino accepts $100,000 county grant for police tactical robot; community debate over 'robot dogs' resurfaces
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Summary
The council unanimously accepted a $100,000 county grant for a police K-9 robotic unit and held a photo presentation with County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr.; public speakers both thanked the county and warned against expanding surveillance technology, reigniting debate about 'robot dogs' and cameras.
San Bernardino accepted a $100,000 grant from the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to help the San Bernardino Police Department acquire a tactical robotic unit.
Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. presented the check during the meeting, calling the grant an investment in officer safety and multi-agency response capability. “This $100,000 investment for a canine robotic unit helps make sure our officers don’t have to go into very dangerous situations,” Joe Baca Jr. told the council.
Police representatives thanked the county for the donation, noting the device allows officers to assess hazardous environments without exposing personnel to immediate risk. The resolution to accept the funds (Resolution 2026-017) was on the consent calendar and passed unanimously.
The presentation prompted considerable public comment elsewhere in the meeting about surveillance and automated enforcement technology. Some residents welcomed technology that can keep officers safe; others strongly opposed further investments in what they called “robot dogs” and the expansion of camera networks. “We do not want tactical robots. They don’t make us feel safe,” said a speaker from the San Bernardino Airport Communities group, who urged the council to invest instead in community centers and job programs.
The council accepted the donation and directed staff to proceed with the administrative steps necessary to receive the funds. Any procurement and deployment will follow departmental policies and public-safety procurement rules.