Portland police will begin to send drones as first responders to emergencies in a pilot program that officials say could help improve their ability to address crime.

The Portland Police Bureau already uses drones , including around 400 times so far this year. But under the pilot program, the drones would depart from the roof of the bureau’s East Precinct building , meaning they would get to some neighborhoods faster. Currently, police drone operators drive to the scene of emergencies and deploy the technology on site.

“Drones often arrive faster than both police officers and vehicle-based drone systems,” said Police Bureau Commander Franz Schoening at a Thursday news conference, adding, “it enhances safety for officers and the community by providing eyes on a scene without placing f

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