Milton OKs sharing of SWAT vehicle, robots
The Milton City Council has approved an agreement with Roswell and Alpharetta to purchase and share an armored rescue vehicle and two robots for the jointly operated, North Fulton SWAT team.
“With the increase in critical situations across the country,” the SWAT team “currently lacks the capabilities of providing effective armored rescue to its citizens, officers and employees,” according to a staff memo to the council.
The robots would mitigate risk to public safety personnel while improving SWAT surveillance and communications abilities, staff said.
Alpharetta is taking the lead in purchasing the equipment – previously reported as a Lenco Industries armored rescue vehicle; a RoboteX Avatar III tracked robot that can enable police to speak with a suspect; and a ReconRobotics Recon Scout XL “throwbot” small enough to be thrown through doorways or windows.
Milton’s share of costs would be $53,990, $8,651 and $2,902, respectively, using state and federal asset forfeiture funds.
