In response to the growing complexity of public safety and criminal threats in the digital age, the Centre for Crime Science at the Royal Police Cadet Academy has taken a leading role in integrating advanced technology into evidence-based policing. Police Cyborg 1.0, an AI-powered robotic platform, was developed by Security Pitch Co., Ltd., a Thai technology firm specializing in integrated security solutions encompassing physical security, cybersecurity, and data privacy. As one of our key partners within the Centre for Crime Science, Security Pitch contributed their expertise to support modern law enforcement efforts. This innovation marks a significant step toward embedding crime science into policing practice and policy in Thailand.
Development and Deployment
Police Cyborg 1.0 is equipped with 360-degree cameras, facial recognition software, and real-time video and data transmission capabilities. It was first operationalized during the Songkran Festival in Nakhon Pathom to assist in managing large crowds. The robot patrolled high-footfall areas, detected potential threats, and relayed live data to a central command center. It also integrated with existing drone and CCTV systems to form a smart surveillance network that enhanced officers' situational awareness and response capability.
Real-World Application of Crime Science Principles
- Situational Crime Prevention
Police Cyborg 1.0 supports situational crime prevention by enhancing surveillance and increasing the perceived risk of detection in public spaces. Its visible presence acts as a deterrent, while its technological capabilities make crime more difficult and riskier to commit. The robot functions as both a capable guardian and a real-time threat detection system, particularly useful during mass events or in areas prone to opportunistic crimes (see Clarke, 1995).
- Problem-Oriented Policing (POP)
By collecting and analyzing data on crowd behavior, congestion patterns, and incident occurrences, Police Cyborg 1.0 helps identify recurring problems and their underlying causes. This enables law enforcement to craft tailored responses, such as enhanced visibility or increased patrols (Goldstein, 1979), to mitigate specific issues effectively.
- Evidence-Based Policing (EBP)
The robot's data-capturing functions strengthen evidence-based policing by generating reliable, structured information to guide police decisions. Its recordings can be used for after-action reviews, judicial evidence, and long-term strategic assessments, allowing law enforcement to test what works and refine practices based on empirical evidence (see Sherman, 1998).
- Technological Integration
Police Cyborg 1.0 exemplifies how policing can evolve through strategic partnerships and innovation. The collaboration between the Centre for Crime Science and Security Pitch has yielded a tool that combines robotics, artificial intelligence, and behavioral analytics in a single operational platform. Its integration into law enforcement workflows promotes a more proactive, intelligence-led model of policing, enhancing situational responsiveness and institutionalizing digital literacy within the police force.
Future Outlook
Police Cyborg 1.0 is the first step in building a long-term smart policing infrastructure in Thailand. Security Pitch plans to expand the robot's use in metropolitan areas, transport hubs, and border checkpoints, while enhancing its AI capabilities to include natural language processing and predictive analytics. Additional features—such as integration with crime databases and automated alert systems—are also being explored. As Thailand continues to embrace a science-led approach to law enforcement, innovations like Police Cyborg 1.0 will be central to creating safer, smarter, and more accountable policing systems.
