Alva Review-Courier -

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. (AP) — Police in northeastern Oklahoma say a new $2,500 drone will help survey crime and crash scenes and provide tactical support

The Broken Arrow Police Department said the drone was a gift from the Police Academy Alumni Association, according to the Tulsa World .

Department spokesman Officer James Koch said the Unmanned Aerial System Program won't be used for routine patrol functions, warrantless searches or as a weapons platform. Koch said it will be operated under procedures and regulations established by the Federal Aviation Administration and department.

"We do not want this to be a secret to people," Koch said. "The Police Department is not out to spy on anyone. There's not going to be any surveillance conducted."

It will be used in tactical situations, for crime and crash scene investigations, search and rescue operations, emergency management scenarios and public relations, the department said.

Koch said having an aerial view will help investigators put together complex scenes and will be a critical tool to leverage during dangerous encounters, such as hostage situations or with a barricaded subject. He said the drone's video feed instantly goes to a monitor in the Special Operation Team's command post.

"The SOT commander will be able to see what the (drone) is seeing without putting officers more at risk," Koch said.

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Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com