"Eyes in the sky" is taking on a whole new meaning.

The Jefferson City Police Department has been steadily advancing its technological capabilities over the last few years.

Sgt. Andrew Lenart manages the use of technology for JCPD.

Lenart said the resources it has to help keep people safe is invaluable.

"It's a huge advantage that we can have this without getting into a one-on-one until we know the situation," Sgt. Lenart said. "I think with the technology comes great responsibility to use it properly."

One of the drones JCPD uses is called a Brinc Lemur S.

It is a smaller drone that the department primarily uses for going into indoor locations.

The device can be used to deescalate certain hostile situations.

"It's got some accessories," Sgt. Lenart said. "You can break glass with it. It's got some lights. You can drop stuff, and it holds up to one pound."

The other drone the department can deploy is a Matrice 200.

A much larger drone, the item is better served for outside settings and helps officers get a better look at an area they may not be easily accessible.

"It has a 30x zoom camera so we can go up in the air and zoom in on a specific area or for a search and rescue mission," Sgt. Lenart said. "It also has a thermal camera. We can partner up with the fire department and use it for looking at hot spots on a roof if there's a structure fire."

JCPD also has what it calls a "Throwbot" which can be thrown towards a very small area that an officer may have a difficult time reaching.

Each officer that uses a drone has to be licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration every two years.

"The initial certification test is a very difficult test," Sgt. Lenart said. "A lot of aeronautical charts you have to learn, weather patterns. We would be considered commercial drone pilots, so anytime you're doing drone work for compensation, you would have to have this license."

The next expected upgrade for the department is the addition of body cameras for all officers.

The city applied for grants from the FBI back in May and is expected to hear back on the status by the end of September.