It is no secret that tech companies have been actively working to improve artificial intelligence in hopes that it will make our world a safer, better place. There are now smart surveillance cameras, facial recognition, and several developments that have improved personal security. However, none of them compare to this technology the San Diego police force is deploying to make San Diego feel safer than ever before. 

The tech in question are three robots from JDS Security Services that now roam the streets of San Diego at all times, aiding the city’s efforts to reduce crime and increase resident safety. 

These robots were distributed by JDS Security Service, a private security firm based in southern California that offers both human and mechanical “security officers.” The machines, known at JDS as Autonomous Security Robots (ASRs), come in various designs, each made for a specific purpose, such as patrolling streets, public transport, and hospitals, among others. 

The police chose the K5 Outdoor-Indoor ASR To patrol the streets of San Diego, which has many great functions. It offers real-time situational awareness through its 360-degree eye-level Ultra HD recording. It can also provide live audio and a two-way intercom for residents to communicate with the police, broadcast messaging, and be equipped with a security call button. 

These robots can be deployed almost precisely as a human officer would to patrol the streets or report any suspicious activity. They will even allow residents to alert and talk directly to the police in case of any immediate issue.

One of the most exciting things about these police-like robots is that they are equipped with thermal detection, which means they can actually “see” people moving around in the dark. In addition, these robots can work relentlessly without needing rest. If they run out of juice, they can recharge their own batteries while out in the field, continuing to watch and listen to what’s going on around them as they do so.

They have capabilities humans can only dream of. These robots can read up to 300 license plates within 60 seconds and can record a phone’s IP address if need be. All this is true, but they are still extremely cost-efficient. According to JDS Security Services, running one of its ASR models costs between $0.75 and $9.00 per hour, much less than a human security guard or police officer costs. It begs the question: Are these robotic cops better than human ones?

They have many advantages for both the local police force and the residents of San Diego, but some say they prefer a human officer. A San Diego resident, Cynthia Gilliam, told CBS8, “I cannot communicate with a machine, I cannot talk to a machine, a machine cannot talk to me.”

Danny Garcia, the CEO of JDS Security, has tried to explain to residents that this concern isn’t exactly a real one. The ASRs are equipped with two-way intercoms and a security call button, and Garcia has tried to make them see that they can use the robots to contact the police and even talk to them.

One crucial thing to note in all of this is that the San Diego Police Department has no plans to replace its human officers with robotic ones. This means there will still be just as many patrolling officers available to residents as there were before. The real incentive for deploying ASRs into the city is to prevent crime. As Garcia explained, “It’s just here to enhance the security so that it constantly shows a presence.” 

San Diego is the latest location to deploy the JDS Security ASRs. Still, they have already been patrolling a commercial property in Santa Clara, a housing complex in Las Vegas, and a downtown San Francisco parking structure. JDS Security has gathered impressive reports at each one of these locations. For example, the Las Vegas housing complex was one of the top three locations for 911 calls before the robots arrived, but it’s not even in the top 10 anymore. There were also an average of 10 vehicle break-ins per month at the Santa Clara commercial property, which has since been reduced by 90%. 

Los Angeles County was the first police force to deploy ASRs on street patrols, and it has recorded a huge improvement in crime reduction. Before the robots, there were 48 crime reports and 120 citations within a given period. After, there were only 26 reported crimes and 38 citations, a 46% and 65% reduction, respectively. 

Naturally, some residents are not fond of the idea of having a robotic police officer in charge of their safety. However, there are other factors to consider as well. Many worry that humans will become obsolete and lose their jobs as we rely more heavily on artificial intelligence. Something that could affect police officers in the future. Additionally, others worry that if the world becomes even more electronic, our susceptibility to hackers will increase as they could overtake the system, leaving many cities defenseless against crime. 

These worries are technically valid, but they are not real concerns for the present. Robots are not replacing human police officers in San Diego or anywhere else. At least not for now. For now, the San Diego Police Department and JDS Security hope that a few street ASRs will prevent crime and make residents feel safer.