CCSO Newsroom
Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Unveils Next-Gen Security with DEKA’s Sentry Robots
Sheriff Owens and members of DEKA Research & Development Corporation take a group shot with the new SENTRY robots.
Pictured from left to right: Madeline Fox, Matthew Handley, Sheriff Owens (CCSO), Dean Kamen, Fareena Contractor, Dirk Van der Merwe and Caleb Kase.
Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Unveils Next-Gen Security with DEKA’s Sentry Robots
On October 23, 2024, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) held a press conference at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center to announce a pioneering partnership with DEKA. This collaboration marks a major step toward enhancing security through the integration of DEKA’s advanced Sentry robots, which will support law enforcement efforts at the facility. As part of this initiative, CCSO announced a 90-day pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness of these robots in real-time scenarios. During the 90-day pilot program, a fleet of two jailbots will conduct patrols, reinforcing safety with capabilities to document incidents and eliminate human risks in potentially dangerous situations.
Deputy Handia, a public information officer at the sheriff’s office, kicked things off, setting the stage for an event centered on innovation in security and community safety. Following, Sheriff Craig Owens spoke about the importance of evolving alongside technological advancements to address modern security challenges. He emphasized the sheriff’s office commitment to adopting tools that enhance safety, operational efficiency, and the well-being of detainees and staff.
“We are excited to bring robotics into our facility to improve our operations and support the overall safety of our detainees and staff,” Owens said.
Dean Kamen, DEKA’s founder and CEO, came up to speak after the sheriff and elaborated on the role of robotics in transforming security operations across industries. He introduced the Sentry robots as “highly advanced systems and force multipliers” that raise safety standards by providing 24/7 surveillance and rapid, real-time response capabilities.
The event highlighted both indoor and outdoor demonstrations of the Sentry robots, which the sheriff's office will refer to as, “jailbots”, an advanced, technological tool used to assist our deputies in the jail. Standing nearly six feet tall, the jailbot displayed its360-degree camera functionality, night vision, heat detection, and two-way audio features, designed to enhance both indoor and perimeter security.
A media Q&A followed the outdoor demonstration, allowing reporters to delve deeper into the operational details and future potential of the Sentry robots at CCSO. Sheriff Owens and Dean Kamen fielded questions, discussing both the impact of the current pilot program and the possibility of expanded deployment.
The DEKA press conference highlighted CCSO’s dedication to innovation and public safety. By incorporating the Sentry robots, the Cobb County Adult Detention Center takes a proactive stance on security, standing at the forefront of technological advancements that will protect both officers and the community.
Social Media Engagement:
Find the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office online:
Instagram | Facebook | X: @cobbsheriff
YouTube: @CobbCountySheriffsOffice
Download the Cobb County Sheriff's Office App
Photo Credit: The Cobb County Sheriff Office
For more information on the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office:
https://www.cobbsheriff.org
For more pictures and video of the Oct. 23, 2024 DEKA Press Conference, use the links below:
Click to Watch Full DEKA Press Conference
:: Courtesy of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office::
Sheriff Owens shares a little about what the SENTRY “jailbots” do and how they are used in the Adult Detention Center at the 2024 DEKA Press Conference.
Dean Kamen, CEO of DEKA, speaks on DEKA's mission to save lives, leverage technology from past projects, and enhance safety in law enforcement at the 2024 DEKA Press Conference.
A DEKA employee directed the “jailbot,” showing the audience its capabilities and features at the 2024 DEKA Press Conference.
Sheriff Owens announces a 90-day pilot of DEKA’s Sentry robots at the Adult Detention Center. He shared how he hopes the use of advanced technology will attract future law enforcement leaders.
Members of DEKA Research & Development Corporation smile alongside the SENTRY robot at the 2024 DEKA Press Conference.
Sheriff Owens and Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat are all smiles at the 2024 DEKA Press Conference. Also in attendance were representatives from sheriff’s offices in DeKalb, Clark, Gwinnett, and Paulding counties.
Sheriff Owens and one of the “jailbots” at the 2024 DEKA Press Conference.
Sheriff Labat and Dean Kamen discuss how the advanced capabilities of the SENTRY robot could transform safety and operations in jails nationwide at the 2024 DEKA Press Conference.
Sheriff Owens gets interviewed by 95.5 WSB about the usage and benefits of “jailbots” in the Cobb County Adult Detention Center at the 2024 DEKA Press Conference.
The “jailbots” take a quick stroll around an empty pod for pictures and observation at the 2024 DEKA Press Conference.