Police in Newark are turning to the skies to help patrol the streets.

The department is now utilizing drone technology to help fight crime.

Four docked drones can be found throughout the city, as well as four handheld drones.

Operators go through specialty training to be able to fly close to the airport and in some cases -autonomously.

The goal is to give officers a leg up on calls, so they are prepared.

The move for drone technology came in response to the death of Sgt. Detective Joseph Azcona, who was working undercover when he was gunned down by a 14-year-old in March.

"It can be safer for them, and they know what they're going into. So, it's a very good thing that we have going here, especially since we have a tragic death of one of our officers earlier this year, and that's something that I'm sure would have assisted them that day as well," said Chief Sharonda Morris, of Newark Police Department.

Since launching in July, the drones have been tested over 1,000 times, and in some cases, helped catch those who committed crimes.

The hope is to expand the drone program, adding more docking stations throughout the city.