TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo police are deploying a new tool to respond to calls for service.

Monday was the first day in service for the Toledo Police Department's "Drone-as-First-Responder" program.

In a news release sent Tuesday announcing the launch, the department said that the program will allow officers to provide faster and safer support during emergency calls.

The program allows a trained officer to manually operate a drone and respond to calls for service. While officers are on their way, the drone pilot can share real-time updates to help assess the situation. The drone pilot is also able to assist while officers are on scene.

According to the department, the Flock Aerodome DFR system can reach anywhere within a 3.5-mile radius and has an average response time of 85 seconds.

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