The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has unveiled the Police Unmanned Ground Vehicle Patrol Partner (PUG), America’s first autonomous patrol SUV. This initiative, developed in partnership with the Policing Lab and Perrone Robotics, integrates AI-powered cameras, real-time crime detection systems, and drone deployment capabilities. The pilot program aims to enhance public safety, improve efficiency, and set a precedent for the future of law enforcement through the use of advanced technology.
The PUG Patrol Partner is equipped with a range of high-tech features, including 360-degree cameras, thermal imaging sensors, and integration with police databases and crime analytics software. This allows the vehicle to identify people or vehicles in restricted areas, even in low-light conditions, and deploy drones equipped with thermal cameras for aerial surveillance. The vehicle will initially operate on predetermined patrol routes with a deputy seated in the front during testing.
Advocates describe the PUG as a ‘force multiplier’ that automates routine patrols, increases situational awareness, and frees deputies to focus on more complex human interactions. However, the program has sparked debates about privacy concerns, data collection, and the long-term costs of deploying such technology. While the first unit was donated, future vehicles could cost between $150,000 and $200,000 each. The trial period will assess the vehicle’s impact on response times, deterrence, officer safety, and public confidence.
The PUG represents a significant shift in community safety strategies, with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office viewing it as a partner, not a replacement, for human officers. The pilot’s outcomes could influence similar initiatives across the United States as other law enforcement agencies closely observe its progress. The introduction of this autonomous patrol vehicle marks a turning point in American policing, blending innovation with contentious debates over surveillance, privacy, and the ethical use of emerging technologies.