The initial use of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office robot led to a calm surrender on Monday.
The deputies stated that they were called to address a mental health emergency at an apartment complex nearby.
"You're observing how technology can take over human risk," stated Rowan County Sheriff J. Travis Allen.
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The Special Response Team, together with negotiators, engaged in telephone conversations with the victim. Nonetheless, communication ultimately ceased.
It was then decided to send in a robot, enabling the deputies to view the interior of the unit without entering personally.
"In earlier times, when you assembled a SWAT team and went in with force, often you were escalating the situation. This could place your deputies at risk as well as endanger civilians," stated Allen.
The robot has a 360-degree camera view along with a built-in microphone, enabling deputies to defuse a tense scenario through an easy chat.
"If there was an ideal situation where we could assist someone experiencing a crisis using this technology," Allen stated.
The sheriff thinks this instrument might eventually prevent deaths.
"I hope that other cities, town halls, and county boards will recognize that your office requires these resources. In today’s world, this is truly how you safeguard the community," Allen stated.
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office stated that they obtained funds from a state grant in 2023. Using this financial support, they acquired the robot during the previous summer.
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