Children across Camden County can submit name suggestions for the Sheriff's Office robotic dog, with entries due by Oct. 31.

The four-legged robot joined the Camden County Sheriff's Emergency Response Team about a year ago and has assisted in more than 20 investigations, according to an announcement on the county's website published Tuesday, Oct. 6. The contest is open to kids countywide, and the sheriff's office serves Cherry Hill directly as part of its jurisdiction.

The unarmed machine carries multiple cameras, a thermal imaging camera, a portable gas detector, a two-way microphone, grippers and lights. A trained Emergency Response Team member operates it remotely using an Android tablet.

Those tools let officers scout dangerous scenes before anyone walks in. The county said the robot has been deployed during hostage situations, barricades and hazardous-material incidents, giving first responders a live view of conditions inside.

NBC New York reported that aerial footage on Sept. 16 showed a robotic dog at a Pennsauken standoff on the 4400 block of Bethel Avenue, where the Emergency Response Team helped local police respond to a murder-suicide. The county has not confirmed whether that was the same unit now up for a name.

Camden County Sheriff Chuck Billingham said the technology gives officers another layer of protection alongside human personnel and canine partners.

"It has already proven that it can do the job, and even robot dogs need a name," Billingham said. He added that he looks forward to seeing creative ideas from children throughout the county.

The county government also promoted the contest on its official X account on Oct. 6.

Parents and guardians can email their child's name suggestion to [email protected] by Oct. 31. The sheriff's office has not announced how or when a winning name will be chosen.

Residents who want to learn more about the Sheriff's Office or report a public safety concern can visit camdencounty.com or contact the office directly.