Los Angeles Police Get 2 Drone Flyers From Seattle

LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — The Los Angeles Police Department has received a high-tech gift — two drone helicopters.

But officials haven't decided whether to use them.

An LAPD statement Friday says the Draganflyer X6 aircraft were provided by the Seattle Police Department.

"These vehicles were purchased by the Seattle Police Department using federal grants. There was no cost to the city of Los Angeles," police said.

Each remote-controlled copter is 3 feet wide, has three rotors and can carry a video camera.

The LAPD says a decision on whether to use the aircraft will follow reviews from the department, the Board of Police Commissioners and the public.

Potential use of drones by police agencies has sparked concerns about possible spying and privacy violations.

"The review would only consider narrow and prescribed uses to prevent imminent bodily harm, for example, a hostage situation or barricaded armed suspect," the department said.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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