NYPD unveils new technology to drive down crime: Digidog, robots and GPS speed-darts

The NYPD is broadening its arsenal in its war against crime in the city with the arrival of "Digidog," security robots and a GPS tracking system, already in use in one Long Island community, to cut down on police chases.

At a news conference Tuesday morning in Times Square, Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell unveiled three new futuristic policing technologies — including two robotic devices and the special GPS tracking system — as the latest advances in efforts to drive down crime and protect lives, including those of cops.

“To safeguard our modern city in a forward-looking world, it is essential that our officers are equipped with the tools, training and technology necessary to do that job both safely and effectively,” Sewell told reporters.

Sewell and Adams introduced two robots to be used in pilot programs: the Digidog, a four-legged, 70-pound ambulatory camera-laden device resembling a canine for use in high-risk confined spaces such as hostage situations; and the K5 ASR, an egg-shaped, motorized device reminiscent of the droid R2D2 from the film "Star Wars" for use on subways. Both robots will be controlled by specially trained officers, Sewell noted.

A third technology being rolled out is the StarChase system, a GPS tagging device — both handheld and fired like a dart — which can be mounted on a fleeing vehicle and is already in use on Long Island. Chief of Patrol John Chell said StarChase can be effective against “ghost cars,” cars with fake paper license plates being used to commit crimes. On Saturday, cops tracked a stolen car from Queens to the Bronx, where additional cops used the StarChase device to make arrests, Chell said.

“It allows our officers to stay safe, limit pursuits and let the GPS do its job,” Chell explained.

Adams said the Digidog had been introduced in the DeBlasio administration but that a “few loud people” complained about it and the device was removed from police use. “I operate on looking at what is best for the city,” said Adams, quipping, “Digidog is out of the pound.”

However, there still were some critics. In a statement, the New York Civil Liberties Union said the new devices were “policing toys” that were not a serious response to public safety concerns.

“We should be investing in more housing, better schools and increased jobs — not invasive surveillance technology for law enforcement,” the NYCLU said.

But according to the NYPD, the Digidog was financed not from NYPD funds but rather with $750,000 in funds forfeited to the city as proceeds of crimes.

“This is an investment in our public safety,” Adams stated. “ I don’t want a police officer going into a building where there is someone dangerous and lose that police officer. There is no dollar amount to losing [police officers] Rivera and Mora.”

The latter reference was to Officers Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora, who were shot dead in a volatile domestic situation in January 2022.

Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said the department will acquire two Digidogs for hostage and other dangerous situations.

The K5 has been used elsewhere at college campuses and shopping malls, as well as other places where security is needed, said Maddrey. The plan is to have a pilot project for about six months beginning in June, with special cops directing the robot,  Maddrey said. The K5 will provide real-time intelligence and is expected to be used on subway platforms, he said.

By Anthony M. DeStefano

tony.destefano@newsday.comtonynewsday

Anthony M. DeStefano has been a reporter for Newsday since 1986 and covers law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs from its New York City offices.