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Miami-Dade Launches First US Police Unmanned Patrol Vehicle

Meet PUG, the unmanned ground patrol partner. It's here to improve policing, but will it catch on?

This is a presentation and here we can see vehicles on the road and we can see some text written.
This is a presentation and here we can see vehicles on the road and we can see some text written.

Miami-Dade Launches First US Police Unmanned Patrol Vehicle

Miami-Dade County, Florida, has launched the first police unmanned patrol vehicle in the United States. Named Police Unmanned Ground Patrol Partner (PUG), it was introduced in October 2025 as a one-year pilot program with the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. The vehicle aims to improve response times, officer safety, and public trust in law enforcement.

PUG is a result of a collaboration between Policing Lab and Perrone Robotics, with the latter providing the autonomy platform. Based on the Ford Police Interceptor Utility, the unmanned car is equipped with advanced features such as cameras, thermal imaging, license plate readers, and drone launchers. These tools enable it to monitor large areas and gather crucial data.

The pilot program seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative policing method. Data collected during its operation will help determine if PUG should be implemented in other regions. If successful, it could revolutionize policing by enhancing preventive measures and reducing officer exposure to dangerous situations.

The deployment of PUG in Miami-Dade County marks a significant step towards the future of policing. If the pilot program proves successful, it could lead to wider adoption of unmanned patrol vehicles across the United States, potentially improving public safety and strengthening community trust in law enforcement.

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