The Newark Police Department is using new drone technology to give officers an upper hand when it comes to taking down suspects.
"Say there was a burglary in progress, we get reports of something like that, the officers will get to the scene now, potentially you'll have a drone that's providing a video feed of the back of the house," Newark Deputy Police Director Leonardo Carrillo said.
Newark police made the move to advanced technology in response to the tragic death of Sgt. Detective Joseph Azcona.
He was an undercover officer who was gunned down by a 14-year-old on the streets of Newark.
Police work is always dangerous, but drones are another way to make police work safer.
"We're always in contact and we know what's going on out there and the guys know what's happening before they get to the scene so it works all the way around," Newark Police Chief Sharonda Morris said.
The department has four drones docked at various locations around the city and four hand-held drones that are easy to operate.
The clarity is top-notch, so officers on the ground and top command at the headquarters can see exactly what is happening in minutes.
"The pilot can just send the drone automatically to the location rather quickly. The drones fly anywhere from about 30 to 40 miles per hour, depending on wind," Carrillo said.
If a suspect with a weapon is on the run, or on a scooter, Newark police can trace them using the drone to pinpoint a location.
It allows cops to know exactly what they're facing while following through alleys and shot cuts.
"That's always our number one priority it to make sure that our officers go home safe," Morris said.
The drones have been tested over 1,000 times since July, and have already removed some dangerous criminals from the streets.
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