by Imran Ali, Attorney, Senior Director of LETAC

In 2016, Dallas police used a bomb disposal robot to deliver and detonate a small explosive, killing the suspect, Micah Johnson, during a standoff after he executed an ambush killing five police officers and injuring many others.  The police positioned the robot after negotiations failed and other options posed a grave danger to officers, marking what is believed to be the first time a U.S. law enforcement agency used this lethal tactic. The use of the robot sparked debate about the future of robots in policing and the use of deadly force.

The integration of robotic devices in law enforcement has emerged as a significant development in the field of policing. Just this week, Tesla (TSLA) announced a significant milestone in the completion of their humanoid robot. 1 Also this week, Wrap Technologies (WRAP) announced that they and Mithril Defense have achieved a “historic first drone-to-human interdiction.”2 These technologies will aim to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and decision-making capabilities in various scenarios, such as surveillance, bomb disposal, and crowd control.

Currently, law enforcement agencies around the world employ several types of robotic devices. Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are utilized for aerial surveillance, crowd monitoring, and situational awareness during incidents. For instance, the Los Angeles Police Department has employed drones to gather information during standoffs or natural disasters.3 Similarly, bomb disposal robots are remote-controlled machines employed to safely diffuse explosives. The use of bomb disposal robots, such as the iRobot PackBot, allows officers to handle potentially dangerous situations from a distance, thereby reducing risk to human life.4 Additionally, robotic tactical solutions like Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot can be equipped with cameras and sensors to assist in negotiating dangerous situations or providing real-time intelligence during hostage scenarios.5

The trend of integrating artificial intelligence with robotics continues to grow globally. Many countries, including China, Thailand, and Indonesia, are currently using humanoid robots, signaling a shift toward advanced automation in policing.6 The United States is not far behind, as many police departments are now using robotic canines.7 Looking ahead, the United States may soon utilize humanoid robots that could patrol, search, and seize suspects involved in criminal activity.

There are many benefits to community and  public safety by integrating robotic devices into policing.   By deploying robots in hazardous environments, law enforcement personnel can minimize exposure to life-threatening situations. This is particularly vital during bomb threats or when engaging potentially armed suspects. Robots can perform tasks more quickly and consistently than human officers, such as conducting surveillance over large areas or collecting evidence at crime scenes. Drones can gather vast amounts of data that can aid in investigations. The ability to analyze this data can support evidence gathering and improve case resolutions.8 In 2025, Minnesota was on high alert after a gunman targeted state legislators at their homes, resulting in the death of two and injuring three others.  After a nationwide manhunt ensued, it was a drone that located and aided the capture of Lance Boelter without the loss of life.9

However, with these advantages, many other considerations must be addressed through research and development of strong policy and  strict guidelines.  For example, there is an ongoing debate about the potential for these devices to be armed. The introduction of armed drones or robots poses questions about the use of reasonable force and accountability for their actions. 10 Can a robot be judged from the same “reasonable officer standard” held in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision Graham v. Conner?   Also, the deployment of surveillance technology, such as drones, can infringe on citizens’ privacy rights. Concerns regarding personal data collection and the potential for intrusive surveillance tactics remain significant.11

As robots take on more active roles in policing, establishing clear guidelines and accountability measures becomes crucial. There is a need for policies governing their use to ensure that they operate within legal and ethical boundaries.12 The use of robotic devices in law enforcement exemplifies the growing intersection of technology and public safety. As agencies continue to explore these advanced tools, a careful balance must be struck between leveraging technology for effective policing and maintaining ethical standards and accountability. Policymakers, law enforcement officials, and the public must engage in an ongoing dialogue to address these challenges and ensure that advancements in policing technology serve the public good. Law enforcement must be on the forefront to develop policies that are clear, operationally sound and balance the risks outlined above with the benefits of policing and keeping our communities safe.

1 https://www.jpost.com/consumerism/article-871663

2 https://finance.yahoo.com/news/wrap-mithril-defense-achieve-historic-110000571.html

3 Kearney, M. (2019). Drones in Policing: The New Frontier of Law Enforcement. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from latimes.com

4 Lau, D. (2020). Bomb Disposal Robots: An Overview of Their Impact on Public Safety. Safety Science Journal, 125, 213-220.

5 Boston Dynamics. (2021). Spot: A Versatile Robot for Many Applications. Retrieved from Boston Dynamics Website

6 https://www.foxnews.com/tech/ai-cyborg-patrols-streets-live-360-degree-tracking

7 https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2025/07/07/topeka-police-department-using-drones-and-a-robot-dog-to-help-officers/84421268007/

8 Shapiro, J., & Stark, L. (2020). The Role of Technology in Modern Policing: A Critical Analysis. International Journal of Criminal Justice Sciences, 15(1), 45-58.

9 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/us/minnesota-shooting-suspect-caught-how.html

10 Verdecchia, S. (2021). Robotic Policing: The Ethical and Legal Challenges of Armed Drones in Law Enforcement. Public Law Review, 62(4), 393-410.

11 Binns, A. (2018). Identifying the Ethical Concerns of Drones in the Public Sector. Journal of Applied Ethics, 12(3), 225-240.

12 Ferguson, A. (2019). The Rise of the Machines: Law Enforcement and the Use of Robotics. Harvard Law Review, 132(5), 898-933.