Dr. Jasmeet Bains Announces Addition of Robotic K-9 “Spot” to Protect First Responders and Strengthen Kern County’s Fight Against Fentanyl

• Ashley Endean
• (916) 319-2035
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano) today announced the addition of "Spot," an advanced robotic canine, to the Bakersfield Police Department through the Kern County Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force. The technology was purchased using funding secured by Dr. Bains through the Kern County Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force, established by Dr. Bains to strengthen Kern County's response to the fentanyl crisis.

Spot is designed to enter hazardous environments ahead of officers, enabling law enforcement to safely assess scenes, inspect suspicious locations, and minimize exposure to dangerous substances. By taking on high-risk tasks, the robotic canine adds a crucial layer of protection for the first responders who put their lives on the line every day.

"As the fentanyl and ongoing emerging drug crisis continues to evolve, our response must evolve with it. With more deadly-on-contact illegal drugs emerging, I've seen and responded to the risks that our first responders and police canines face when coming into contact with deadly drugs. Deploying robotic dogs like Spot into hazardous situations is a critical step to protecting our community, first responders, and our K-9s," said Assemblywoman Dr. Bains.

"As an addiction physician who has cared for patients battling substance use disorder and served on the front lines of this crisis, I know that fighting fentanyl requires every tool available."

Dr. Bains first learned about the capabilities of robotic public safety technology during a demonstration at the California State Capitol when she was first elected. Recognizing its potential to improve officer safety, she made it a priority to ensure Kern County could benefit from this emerging technology as part of its comprehensive fentanyl response.

By securing funding for Spot, Dr. Bains unites local, state, and federal agencies, healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations in the fight against fentanyl through coordinated prevention, enforcement, education, and treatment. Spot's addition marks a key milestone in efforts to protect both the public and those responding to the crisis.

"Spot gives our officers the ability to safely assess dangerous environments before anyone has to step inside," said Assistant Chief of Police Brent Stratton of the Bakersfield Police Department. "That additional layer of protection is invaluable as we continue combating fentanyl and other emerging threats in our community. We are grateful to Assemblywoman Dr. Bains for recognizing this need and securing the resources that made this technology possible. Her leadership and partnership have made a meaningful difference in helping us better protect both our officers and the people we serve."

The Bakersfield Police Department joins a growing number of agencies nationwide using robotic technology to safely navigate hazardous environments, gather critical information during investigations, and reduce risk to officers during dangerous operations.

"From prevention and treatment to enforcement and technology, every part of this fight matters. Spot is the kind of innovation that protects those who protect our communities. Giving first responders the tools they need means a safer Kern County for everyone," said Dr. Bains.

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Dr. Jasmeet Bains represents the 35^th Assembly District in Kern County, including the cities of Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Arvin, Shafter, and McFarland.