San Francisco police defend ‘killer robots’ plan

• Armed robots could be deployed by police in San Francisco if a high-ranking officer gets the go-ahead.
• Police Chief William Scott says they would only be used as a “last resort” in extremely dangerous scenarios.
• The force already has a number of remotely operated robots in its arsenal, which are utilized in bomb and hazardous materials situations.

Thursday, San Francisco police defended their potential deployment of killer robots, stressing they would only be used as a “last resort” in extremely dangerous scenarios.

This week, detectives in the California community where people have complained of an increase in crime were granted authority to employ lethal force-capable equipment.

If a high-ranking San Francisco Police Department officer receives the go-ahead, armed robots might be deployed to combat extremely aggressive individuals such as mass shooters and suicide bombers, according to city supervisors.

“The use of robots in potentially deadly force situations is a last resort option,” San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said Thursday.

“We live in a time when unthinkable mass violence is becoming more commonplace. We need the option to be able to save lives in the event we have that type of tragedy in our city.”

The SFPD already has a number of remotely operated robots in its arsenal, which are utilized in “bomb situations, hazardous materials incidents, and other incidents where officers may need to keep a safe distance before rendering a scene secure,” according to the force.

The new city regulations will imply “robots could be used to deliver an explosive charge to breach a structure containing a violent or armed subject.

“The charge would be used to incapacitate or disorient a violent, armed, or dangerous subject who presents a risk of loss of life.

“Robots equipped in this manner would only be used to save or prevent further loss of innocent lives.”

However, the reassurances were insufficient to allay fears of a dystopian future reminiscent of “Terminator” or “Black Mirror”

“Nope. Nope. Nope. and NOPE,” tweeted @doggieLB

“And when it ‘malfunctions’ like EVERY computer has done. Who gets held accountable?” wrote @Numbor1dad on Twitter.

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