A new policy that would allow police to deploy robots capable of lethal force in exceptional circumstances was approved by a vote of 8-3 by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The technology would be used by officers to kill “when risk of loss of life to members of the public or officers is imminent, and officers cannot subdue the threat after using alternative force options or de-escalation tactics.” The initiative still needs to be approved by a second vote and the mayor.
