The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office introduced a self-driving police cruiser named “PUG,” short for police unmanned ground, marking it as the first autonomous patrol vehicle in the United States. The device was donated by Policing Lab and features 360-degree cameras, license plate readers, audio sensors, thermal imaging, and drone deployment capabilities.
Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz described the technology as a transformative tool for law enforcement, emphasizing its potential to enhance community engagement and public safety. “It’s a way we can touch our community in a way that we really have never done before,” she stated. The vehicle is designed to assist deputies during critical incidents, such as active shootings, by deploying drones for real-time aerial surveillance.
Initially, a deputy will accompany the PUG during its trials, with plans to transition to full autonomy after gathering public feedback. The sheriff’s office will showcase the vehicle at community events through October before allowing it to patrol streets later in the year. Cordero-Stutz highlighted the importance of addressing community concerns and improving the technology based on input.
The PUG is not intended for high-speed pursuits or highway use, as it will operate with speed restrictions. Its deployment reflects ongoing efforts to integrate AI-driven solutions into public safety operations.
