Police in northeastern Oklahoma are preparing to use a drone to help better survey scenes and provide tactical support.
The Broken Arrow Police Department announced Monday that it received the $2,500 piece of equipment from its Police Academy Alumni Association.
The department says the Unmanned Aerial System Program will be used in tactical situations, for crime and crash scene investigations, search and rescue operations, emergency management scenarios and public relations.
Department spokesman Officer James Koch says the drone won't be used for routine patrol functions, warrantless searches or as a weapons platform.
Koch says having an aerial view will help investigators put together complex scenes. It will also be a critical tool to leverage during dangerous encounters.