A new teammate is rolling into some of Placer County’s most hazardous scenes, and deputies say it is changing how they approach calls that carry the highest risk.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office, in an online Facebook post, has introduced "Steve", a robot now assigned to its Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, built to move into places too dangerous for people.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Steve can remove suspicious items, open doors, cut seatbelts, and gather real-time images from objects that require closer inspection.
The agency said the robot can approach potential threats while deputies remain at a safe distance, giving teams the ability to assess situations that once demanded immediate hands-on risk.
The Sheriff’s Office said Steve will be used in a variety of dangerous situations as teams continue to train with the new technology, which is expected to support them during tense or uncertain calls.
