Here’s how many times Folsom police used military-type equipment in the past year

Folsom police are considering the purchase of a tactical robot, city documents said.

In an annual report submitted to Folsom City Council on Tuesday, Police Chief Rick Hillman said that there was one operational use and six training uses of the Robotex avatar tactical robot, a machine that can be sent into unsafe situation and provide audio, video and communication to officers.

The Folsom Police Department was authorized to use certain military equipment in May 2022, according to city documents.

“The Police Department does intend on acquiring a new tactical robot within the next reporting period,” the documents read. “The current robot is outdated and in need of replacement.”

Hillman said a future staff report would be submitted for approval.

A Robotex avatar tactical robot costs the department approximately $26,000, according to Hillman.

“The police department did not receive any complaints from the community regarding the deployment of any of the items in this policy,” the document said.

Here’s what the department has used so far

Since the use of military-type equipment was authorized last year, the department said it has utilized items in several incidents.

These instances include barricaded subjects, high-risk incidents, critical incidents, high-risk building entries and felony vehicle stops, according to authorities.

Police said the equipment has also aided in suspect searches, missing person searches, outside agency assistance and training.

Reported operational uses of military equipment

• 8 uses of an armored vehicle known as a Bearcat
• 20 uses of drones
• 1 of a Robotex avatar tactical robot
• 2 of a long-range acoustical device
• 15 of a SWAT rifle
• 26 of a patrol/officer rifle
• 17 of a less lethal shotgun
• 3 of a less lethal munition launcher
• 2 of a mobile command and communications unit
• 5 of anti-vehicle barriers
• 2 of diversionary devices
• 1 of a less-than-lethal baton
• 1 of a less lethal bean bag
• 2 of chemical munitions
• No sniper ammunition

Reported training uses of military equipment

• 12 uses of an armored vehicle known as a Bearcat
• 40 uses of drones
  
  
• 6 of a Robotex avatar tactical robot
• No uses of a long-range acoustical device
• 24 of a SWAT rifle
• 280 of a patrol/officer rifle
• 70 of a less lethal shotgun
• 1 of a less-than-lethal munition launcher
• 4 of the mobile command and communications unit
• No anti-vehicle barriers
• 12 of diversionary devices
• 1 of a less lethal baton
• 70 of a less lethal bean bag
• 2 chemical munitions
• 3,500 pieces of sniper ammunition