HSPD Chief Unveils Department’s AI Officer Pilot Program

HOT SPRINGS, AR — Hot Springs Police Chief Chris Chapmond announced Monday that the department will begin testing four AI-powered robotic officers as part of a new patrol program.

“The department is extremely excited to launch these new patrol droids next week,” Chapmond said.

The robots will be equipped with AI-powered criminal profiling software, capable of analyzing clothing, behavior, race, and information obtained through the city’s Flock camera system. According to officials, anyone who fits the profile of a crime—or even a potential crime—could be stopped, questioned and searched. When asked how the AI determines who fits the profile, a department spokesperson said, “We’re still working on that part.”

The droids will initially be equipped with non-lethal weapons. “This is primarily for liability purposes,” officials said. “However, please keep in mind that these things can punch through solid concrete. We recommend cooperating.”

Each robot will be assigned its own Tesla patrol vehicle and connected directly to the city’s Flock and dispatch systems.. Officials anticipate the new technology will dramatically improve response times.

“We expect a response time of approximately 30 seconds to all calls,” Chapmond said.

The department also highlighted another major advantage of the robotic officers: they don’t require lunch breaks, vacation, sick leave, or overtime.

“They basically never stop working,” one official said.

The department said the pilot program will begin next week, with plans to expand the program if successful.