City Uses Federal Grant To Buy Robotic Camera

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Sandy Springs Police Department has another tool in its arsenal to fight crime.

The Sandy Springs City Council on Tuesday accepted a $15,894 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to purchase a Throwbot XT, a robotic camera that can be deployed during crises such as hostage negotiations, locating armed suspects or revealing the layout of a room.

The Throwbot XT comes with audio capabilities, carrying case and field charger for use by the police department. It can be thrown up to 120 feet and once deployed, can be directed by the operator to quietly move through a structure and transmit video and audio to the Operator Control Unit.

The JAG grant program, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Justice, supports prevention and crime control activities within local and state governments. Grant funds can be used for technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies and support for a range of program areas including law enforcement, court programs and prevention and education programs.

Sandy Springs has used JAG grant money in the past to fund speed detection devices, bulletproof vests and the x-ray machine used in municipal court.

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Image via city of Sandy Springs