(The Center Square) - A taxpayer-funded program to test whether drones can ward off school shooters is set to launch in three Florida districts by the beginning of next year.

The Florida Legislature approved $557,000 to fund the pilot program in Broward, Leon and Volusia school districts.

Campus Guardian Angel, an Austin, Texas-based company running the program, uses non-lethal drones equipped with sirens, pepper spray and other devices to try to distract shooters and prevent them from hurting anyone, according to the company. The drones are remotely operated and designed to confront active shooter threats, the company said.

They also provide real-time audio and video feeds to law enforcement during potential threats on school campuses, the Florida Department of Education said.

The dro

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