Many police departments are deploying police robots, sparking serious questions about their impact and oversight. Professor Scott Shackelford and I explored this topic in our research and posed the question: “Robocops to the Rescue?” The answer isn’t an enthusiastic yes. Instead, their use raises a range of concerns that demand careful scrutiny.

In fact, robocops often carry cameras designed for continuous monitoring, and some include facial recognition capabilities. These technologies create privacy challenges that require clear policies and public transparency.

The robots gather huge volumes of data—often referred to as “big data”—which can feed into predictive policing tools. But many worry that biased algorithms in these tools could deepen existing racial and socioeconomic inequalities. As data collection grows, cybersecurity also becomes a pressing issue. Authorities must establish strong safeguards, clarify who can access the data, how long they’ll store it, and offer citizens a way to request its deletion.

Robotic capabilities continue to evolve. Some robots now feature algorithms that analyze health indicators, emotional states, walking patterns, and voice patterns. These robocops no longer function as mere cameras—they’re becoming complex surveillance tools. Some can even be weaponized.

To address these risks, we wrote 25 recommendations for regulating robocops. Learn more and see our appendix filled with photos of robocops!