- The New York Police Department has shown off its first fleet of 14 drones.
- The department said that potential uses for its fleet include search and rescue, hard-to-reach crime scenes, hostage situations, and hazardous material incidents.
- The drones won't be used for routine patrol or traffic enforcement.
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Police Department has shown off its first fleet of drones.
The department said Tuesday that potential uses for its 14 drones include search and rescue, hard-to-reach crime scenes, hostage situations, and hazardous material incidents.
It says drones can reduce risk to officers and bystanders during a response to dangerous situations.
They'll be operated by officers who are specially trained and licensed.
The NYPD says the drones won't be used for routine patrol or traffic enforcement.
Read more: This 19-second video of a drone wielding a flamethrower will haunt your dreams
The New York Civil Liberties Union says the NYPD's drone policy doesn't do enough to balance public privacy concerns with "legitimate law enforcement needs."
More than 900 public safety agencies nationwide already use drones.
SEE ALSO: Here's what happens when thousands of bees invade Times Square
SEE ALSO: Ambulances show up faster in wealthy neighborhoods than in poor neighborhoods, study finds
SEE ALSO: There's no good outcome for Trump if the government shuts down. He won't get border wall funding.
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: The legendary economist who predicted the housing crisis says the US will win the trade war