In addition to the small robot camera (shown at left with the monitor), the sheriff's SWAT acquired rappelling equipment for scaling buildings, the Sheriff's Department release states.

The grant program is funded by Thunder Valley Casino, the Indian gaming special distribution fund, and is administered by the local community benefit committee, the release states.

The compact, remote-controlled camera unit, manufactured by Recon Robotics, gives SWAT officers the ability to monitor buildings or rooms and covertly gather intelligence without putting officers at risk, the release states.

"In these tight budget times we would not have been able to acquire this public safety equipment without the funding from this grant," said Lt. Jeff Ausnow, Placer County's SWAT commander.