Upon purchasing a tactical robot using Homeland Security grant funding, the Washington County Sheriff's Office organized a team to specialize in using this and other new technologies in law enforcement tactical operations.
In dangerous situations, the tactical robot offers law enforcement alternatives to putting people in harm's way. The robot is capable of gripping, manipulating, carrying and opening objects, punching through windows, cutting wires, and even deploying a 37mm gas launcher. Its cameras record audio and video in a full 360-degree rotation around the robot. The team also employs other technologies along side robotics for advanced communication and observation in tactical situations.
The Remotely Operated Vehicle Team is available to support all law enforcement agencies in the Portland Metropolitan area. It will routinely deploy throughout Washington County upon request by the Tactical Negotiations Team, the Hostage Negotiations Team, and to support Search and Rescue efforts.
The team is comprised of Sheriff's Office personnel in a secondary duty assignment capacity from detectives, patrol, jail, civil, and the law enforcement technologies unit. Members train often throughout the year to maintain a high level of proficiency with the robot. They must also consistently perform well in their primary duty assignments to stay on the team.
Four agencies in Oregon have robots assigned to their bomb squad, but your Sheriff's Remotely Operated Vehicle Team is the only team dedicated to applying this technology to a broader array of tactical situations.
For more information about the Washington County Sheriff's Remotely Operated Vehicle Team, please contact Sergeant Tristan Sundsted at (503) 846-2383.
