DC police invest in high-tech helicopter, new drone program to fight crime [Video]

WASHINGTON – D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith unveiled a new $6 million helicopter Monday, and announced the launch of a drone program that they hope will enhance the city’s crime-fighting capabilities.

The new aerial tools are being introduced to assist officers with community safety and support the department’s Real-Time Crime Center’s efforts.

“We know that MPD’s Air Support Unit plays an important role in driving down crime and keeping our community safe, and these upgrades are going to support that work,” said Mayor Bowser in a statement. “We have already seen success with the Real-Time Crime Center, and this is one more way to leverage new technology to protect officers, keep D.C. safe, and drive down crime.”

MPD joins approximately 1,500 police departments nationwide that utilize drones. These drones provide critical information and a bird’s-eye view of crime scenes in real-time.

MPD believes that they will be …