Policy Text
Revisions or additions are highlighted 1 (02/17/2022 ) ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
Subject: TACTICAL ROBOTIC SYSTEMS
Index as: Robotics Spot Tactical Robotic Systems
Robotic Operator (RO) SWAT TSU
Robotic System SWAT Technical Support Unit (TSU) Video Evidence
RO Tactical Electronics
Accreditation Standards:
Cross Reference: G.O. III -14, Property and Evidence
G.O. III -15, High Risk Situations
USB SOP I -21, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
Replaces: NEW POLICY
This Order governs the use of Tactical Robotic Systems by the Department. It consists of:
I. Policy
II. Purpose
III. Definitions
IV. Training
V. Procedures
I. POLICY
A. It is the policy of the St. Petersburg Police Department that Tactical Robotic Systems are to be used with the
purpose of reducing risk of great body harm or death to officers, victims, suspects , and the public .
B. Tactical Robotic System Readiness
1. All Tactical Robotic Systems are identified as Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) equipment only and
therefore will be under the direction and order of either the SWAT Commander or the Assistant SWAT Commander.
2. The Tactical Robotic Systems will only be operated by authorized SWAT personnel who have completed
training in its safe operation.
3. All personnel authorized to use Tactical Robotic Systems will do so in a safe manner to minimize potential injury
to persons or damage to property.
4. An electronic log documenting all operational deployments will be maintained by the SWAT Commander or
their designee.
DATE OF
ISSUE EFFECTIVE DATE NUMBER
February 2022 Immediately III-43
Distribution: All Employees
General Order III -43
Revisions or additions are highlighted 2 (02/17/2022 ) C. The Tactical Robotic Systems will NOT be utilized for:
1. Crowd control operations.
2. Calls for police service of a routine nature.
3. Surveillance or intelligence gathering outside of an identified High -Risk situation, as detailed in
J:\Research \GeneralOrders \III Operational General Orders \III-15 High -Risk Situations.pdf which has prompted a SWAT
response.
4. Routine patrol operations.
5. Traffic control or enforcement.
6. Any action intended to intimidate, coerce , or instill fear in any person not involved in a High -Risk incident.
II. PURPOSE
A. The purpose of this Order is to :
1. Establish guidelines for deployment of Tactical Robotic Systems.
2. Establish guidelines for operation of Tactical Robotic Systems .
B. Tactical Robotic Systems may offer alternatives in search situations when Officers are presented with unknown or
hazardous environments .
III. DEFINTIONS
A. Remote Operator – A human being receiving information in the form of video, audio or other sensory input from the
robotic system and providing commands to the system, directing the robotic system’s operation.
B. Robotic System – A machine that serves to perform any task in place of a human being, but which requires inputs
or physical control from a human operator.
IV. TRAINING
B. Tactical Robotic System Training
1. All members of the SWAT Technical Support Unit (TSU) will complete periodic training with all Tactical Robotic
Systems.
2. Other members of the SWAT Team may be trained in the use of some or all Tactical Robotic Systems, at the
direction of the SWAT Commander or Assistant Commander.
3. An electronic training log will be maintained by the SWAT Commander summarizing training on all Tactical
Robotic Systems.
4. All Tactical Robotic Systems will be inspected monthly by the SWAT Commander , or designee , and
documented in the training log summary .
General Order III -43
Revisions or additions are highlighted 3 (02/17/2022 ) V. PROCEDURES
A. Tactical Robotic System Readiness
1. All Tactical Robotic Systems are identified as Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) equipment only and
therefore will be under the direction and order of either the SWAT Commander or the Assistant SWAT Commander.
2. The Tactical Robotic Systems will only be operated by authorized SWAT personnel who have completed
training in its safe operation .
3. All personnel authorized to use Tactical Robotic Systems will do so in a safe manner to minimize potential injury
to persons or damage to property.
4. An electronic log documenting all operational deployments will be maintained by the SWAT Commander or
designee.
C. Tactical Robotic System Deployment Criteria
1. The d eployment of Tactical Robotic Systems requires authorization from the SWAT Commander or Assistant
Commander.
2. The Assistant Chief, Uniform Services Bureau will be notified by the SWAT Commander , or designee , of the
deployment of Tactical Robotic Systems as soon as is practical.
3. Tactical Robotic Systems shall only be deployed by the SWAT team during authorized operations. Examples
of such operations are outlined in J:\Research \GeneralOrders \III Operational General Orders \III-15 High -Risk Situations.pdf .
D. Remote Operator (RO)
1. The Remote Operator (RO) is responsible for the direct control over the Tactical Robotic System and shall take
all reasonable precautions to ensure safe operation.
2. The RO shall be responsible for a pre - and post -operational inspection of the Robotic System.
3. The RO shall be responsible for ensuring any video, photographic or other digital evidence is properly uploaded,
labeled , and categorized in the appropriate digital evidence management system.
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