America Introduces Its First Autonomous Police Vehicle – Meet The PUG

Miami-Dade County in Florida has rolled out the Police Unmanned Ground Patrol Partner, or PUG, marking the debut of the United States’ first fully autonomous police vehicle. The project is a joint effort between the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and the Policing Lab, aimed at improving patrol efficiency and public safety through automation.

What Does America's First Unmanned Police Vehicle have?

The PUG is equipped with a 360-degree camera setup, thermal imaging sensors, a licence plate recognition system, and even a drone launcher. These technologies allow it to monitor high-crime zones, collect real-time data, and assist officers in responding to incidents faster. Officials say the vehicle acts as a “force multiplier,” expanding the department’s reach without increasing manpower or cost.

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According to Marjolijn Bruggeling, Executive Director of Policing Lab, the system is designed to handle repetitive surveillance and monitoring duties, freeing up officers for more complex fieldwork. “The PUG enhances situational awareness and supports smarter decision-making in real time,” she said.

The PUG Is On A 12-Month Pilot Programme

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has launched a 12-month pilot programme to assess the PUG’s real-world effectiveness. Initially assigned to the Community Affairs Bureau, the autonomous unit will be deployed at local events and public spaces to gather feedback from residents. The evaluation will focus on areas such as response times, crime deterrence, officer safety, and community perception.

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The project, according to officials, does not add extra costs for taxpayers and aims to offer a financially sustainable policing solution. To strengthen public trust, the PUG also includes a tablet-based communication system, allowing citizens to share feedback directly during interactions.

This feature is expected to promote transparency and encourage collaboration between the police and the community. Depending on the outcome of the pilot, Miami-Dade could expand the use of the PUG to other departments and inspire similar initiatives across the U.S.

(Source: CarScoops)