CMPD will use drones as first responders

For example, CMPD may deploy a drone if it receives a call that a suspect is walking the street holding a gun.

• "If you can send that drone in before the officer ... the drone could actually see that, well, it's not a gun. He's holding a cell phone," CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said at a recent speaking engagement. "That changes the response to the officer — if there's even a need for a response."

Zoom out: Police departments nationwide, from D.C. to Atlanta, have increasingly used drones in recent years to combat crime.

• In Scottsdale, Ariz., drones can reach any destination in their boundary areas within 85 seconds. A link to the drone's live stream is instantly sent to responding officers.
• Like Scottsdale's program, CMPD's drones would sit atop police and fire department roofs. The Real Time Crime Center, located in the CMPD headquarters, would review the video. The center can access thousands of cameras across the city.

The big picture: One of CMPD's priorities is to leverage technology to make the city safer and better respond to crime. Its new "Connect Charlotte" program encourages residents and business owners to register their security cameras with CMPD.

• Should an incident occur, investigators will be able to reach out for video evidence from people whose cameras are registered. It does not grant them immediate access to the feeds.

The other side: The police's use of technology often raises privacy concerns. Chief Jennings said departments have policies to ensure drones aren't intruding on people's homes and are reserved for responding to calls for service.

• "If you misuse technology, it will be taken away from you," Jennings said.