New 'RoboCop' may be coming to a city near you

HUNTINGTON PARK, Calif. (FOX 11) - It's not quite the RoboCop you've seen in the movies, but hey, it's a good start. The Huntington Park Police Department is signaling a new era of public safety and policing service by introducing the "HP RoboCop."

An introduction ceremony was held at the City Council Chambers at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

"The police department is proud to welcome 'HP RoboCop' as an official member of the police force," said Huntington Park Police Chief Cosme Lozano in a statement. "The extra help will definitely give the officers more time to focus on other community issues. I am confident he will fit right in."

The "HP RoboCop" has been patrolling Salt Lake Park for the past several weeks after it was previewed at the City's 5K event in May 2019.

"HP RoboCop's capabilities are extremely impressive," said Huntington Park City Manager Ricardo Reyes. "In particular its ability to use its microphone to deter criminal activity and its mobility to patrol large open spaces."

"HP Robocop" is an autonomous sophisticated data machine that is meant to serve outdoors. It will act as an extra set of eyes and monitor areas such as parks, city buildings and corridors where police might not have the time to consistently patrol, according to Huntington Park city officials.

It will serve as a deterrent to crime and disruptive activity and also provide the police force with 360-degree HD video footage, city officials added. HP RoboCop also has other technology features that will prove to be beneficial in day-to-day operations and follow-up investigations.

"This is a big accomplishment for our city and introducing 'HP RoboCop' shows innovation and the incorporation of new technology," said Huntington Park Mayor Karina Macias. "I am certainly impressed with HP RoboCop and can't wait to see the public safety benefits it will bring to our community."

This crime-fighting robot could signal the start of robot patrols at other cities around the country.

You can follow "HP RoboCop" on Twitter and Instagram at @HPRoboCop.