Sheriff gets two FBI robots
By Alexandra Bogdanovic
Although law enforcement agencies have been using robots in high-risk situations for years, the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office hasn't had its own — until now.
Robots typically used in police work can cost anywhere from about about $30,000 to $60,000. Depending on their size and capabilities, some can cost even more.
The Sheriff's Office recently acquired two machines from the Federal Bureau of Investigation for free, and will now pay to maintain them.
"We've had [them] for about three months," said Radio Systems Administrator Bill Dugan.
According to Dugan, the smaller robot weighs approximately 360 pounds. It is equipped with two zoom cameras — one at the front and one at the back. It also has an arm and grippers for carrying things.
The robot, which can climb stairs, could be used for bomb removal or to drag an injured deputy out of harm's way, Dugan said. It could also be used in a hostage situation to deliver a phone so police could communicate with the suspect, he added.
Police could use the robot to monitor long hallways or other areas that do not provide adequate cover for surveillance.
The robot is powered by batteries that can be charged in the Sheriff's Office command vehicle.
It is operated by remote control from the command vehicle, and has a range of about half a mile from there.
Maj. Paul Mercer of the Sheriff's Office said the robot hasn't been deployed yet, but has been used in training exercises.
Prior to getting the robots, Mercer said his agency relied on the state police to provide one if there was an incident where it was required.
E-mail the reporter: abogdanovic@timespapers.com