A New Breed of Robot Dog Enters The Debate Over Policing Technology

Spot will cost the LAPD just under $300,000. Manufactured by Boston Dynamics, the four-legged robot dog has sparked controversy as city police departments consider its adoption. Police robots drew national attention in 2016, when one was used to kill a gunman who fatally shot five police officers. In 2021, New York’s “Digidog” was terminated after critics called it a “creepy” and “alienating” policing tactic. Earlier this month, San Francisco voted 8-3 to prohibit the use of deadly robots after public backlash to an original vote that would have allowed them.

Now, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is considering adopting the technology. While proponents say robot dogs would protect the lives of law enforcement, critics argue the technology will set a dangerous and discriminatory precedent. What will robotic K-9’s mean for the future of artificial intelligence within policing?

Joining us on AirTalk today is Ryan Calo, law and information science professor at the University of Washington who specializes in robotics and cyberlaw, and Thaddeus Johnson, assistant professor of criminal justice and criminology at Georgia State University; he spent eight years as a police officer, sergeant and interim captain in Memphis, Tennessee.

Why Are New Year’s Resolutions So Enticing Yet So Hard To Stick With?

We’re sure you’re ready for the holiday weekend, as most of us are. In the theme of the holidays, we wanted to spend some time talking about New Year’s resolutions. Most of us have probably made one at least once in our lifetime. But let’s be real – how many of us have stuck to it? And since it’s well known that most people don’t last very long when it comes to these goals, why do we desire making them year after year in the first place? Joining guest host Austin Cross to discuss is Charles Duhigg, writer for The New Yorker and author of “Smarter Faster Better” (Random House, 2016) and “The Power of Habit” (Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2014).

KPCC’s John Horn’s Interview With Director Sarah Polley About ‘Women Talking’

Women in an isolated religious community grapple with sexual assault in Women Talking, Sarah Polley’s first film since 2011. An adaptation of Miriam Toews’ novel, the film features Rooney Mara, Jessie Buckley, and Frances McDormand. KPCC arts and entertainment reporter John Horn spoke with Polley about assembling her powerhouse cast, balancing work and family, and building a better world.

For more from John, check out his podcast, Retake, from LAist Studios.

FilmWeek: ‘Babylon,’ ‘A Man Called Otto,’ ‘Puss In Boots: The Last Wish’ And More

Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Andy Klein, Amy Nicholson and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms.

• “Babylon,” Wide Release
• “A Man Called Otto,” AMC The Grove & AMC Century City December 29; Wide Release January 13
• “Puss In Boots: The Last Wish,” Wide Release
• “Living,” Laemmle Royal[West LA]
• “Women Talking,” AMC The Grove & AMC Century City
• “Corsage,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] December 30; Laemmle Claremont & Laemmle Town Center[Encino] January 6
• “Matilda The Musical,” Bay Theater[Palisades]; Streaming On Netflix
• “Broker,” Landmark Nuart Theater[West LA] December 28
• “Whitney Houston: I wanna Dance With Somebody,” Wide Release
• “The Pale Blue Eye,” Landmark Westwood Theater, Bay Theater[Palisades] & American Cinematheque Los Feliz Theater; Streaming On Netflix January 6
• “Alice, Darling,” In Select LA Theaters December 30; In AMC Theaters Nationwide January 20
• “This Place Rules,” Streaming on HBO MAX December 30
• “Turn Every Page: The Adventures of Robert Caro And Robert Gottlieb,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] December 30; Laemmle Monica Film Center[Santa Monica] January 13
• “Wildcat,” Laemmle Royal[West LA] & Laemmle Glendale; Streaming on Prime Video December 30
• “Joyride,” Laemmle Glendale; On Digital
• “The Rules Of The Game,” American Cinematheque Los Feliz Theater December 29
• “Shadow Of A Doubt,” Available On Digital & VOD