Possibility of US police armed with 'killer robots' as soon as next week in the city

San Francisco police are now one step closer to employing live ammunition "where risk of loss of life to the public or officers is imminent" and when such threats cannot be de-escalated or defeated by conventional tactics. According to the Washington Post, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors gave this clearance on Wednesday, which means that police can now employ robots to kill, for example, an active shooter who they are unable to neutralize with another approach.

The story claims that before the measure can become city law, it must pass a second vote (which will be held the following week) and receive Mayor London Breed's approval.
US media reported about "killer robots" six years ago; an active shooter incident was ended when a robotic arm detonated explosives close to the attacker.
In San Francisco, the initial draft did not call for the authorization of fatal force; nonetheless, the local police department pushed for its inclusion in the wording. According to The Post, one of three senior commanders must approve of this drastic action.

Robotic assistance is already available to the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), including devices for disarming bombs. They are all remotely piloted. A spokesperson told The Post that it does not have armed robots.

Those opposed to the bill, including board president Shamann Walton, voiced their concerns during the heated discussion that ensued during the meeting to pass it. 

However, as expected, law enforcement has a different attitude. A former Los Angeles police officer told The Post that "that would be an option" while mentioning the same Texas event.