SAN DIEGO — The San Diego City Council voted unanimously on July 7, 2026, to approve the deployment of a TAC-CAT robotic vehicle for law enforcement use. The San Diego Special Weapons and Tactics Association is donating the device, which costs nearly $400,000.

The TAC-CAT, which stands for tactical custom armored track loader, is an armored vehicle equipped with a camera and a claw that can breach doors and walls. The vehicle can emit non-lethal gas and features a wide-angle camera that operates in both light and dark conditions. It can be operated remotely or by an officer inside.

Police officials stated the TAC-CAT is smaller and easier to maneuver than other armored vehicles like Bearcats or mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles. Police said in a staff report: "It allows tactical teams to safely approach threats, navigate difficult terrain, deploy equipment quickly, and operate closer to danger while maintaining greater control." They added: "This makes the TAC-CAT a highly adaptable asset for a wide range of high-risk incidents faced by modern agencies." Police also stated: "The TAC-CAT is not a symbol of aggression — it's a shield, not a sword," and "This is about protecting people, not about projecting power."

Councilmember Raul Campillo said: "I know this tool will enhance officer and civilian safety in high-risk incidents." He also stated: "This could potentially be used for a variety of situations that are really important." In 2025, San Diego police used a borrowed TAC-CAT from Riverside County during a 31-hour standoff with an active shooter in south San Diego.

The TAC-CAT will be available to other law enforcement agencies across San Diego County through mutual aid agreements. City officials estimate annual maintenance costs will be less than $10,000, and the city is responsible for covering these costs. No footage from the TAC-CAT will be uploaded to the cloud.