Local law enforcement agencies were given a look at a piece of technology that could soon be coming to Laredo.
It's an unmanned helicopter that could help law enforcement in emergency situations by getting there before officers do.
And as the drug war continues in Mexico, Laredo leaders say it's piece of technology that could be vital in keeping violence from spilling over.
It's called the ShadowHawk.
A helicopter about seven feet long that serves as an eye in the sky.
Operated from the ground, it lifts off controlled by software straight to the mock emergency scene set up at this fire training facility.
This trial run was set up to show local law enforcement the benefits of having a unmanned aerial vehicle capable of heading out to a scene at 55 miles per hour in the sky making it before any officer or deputy could.
Helping in issuing warnings quickly or aiding in other situations that may arise.
“The floods Laredo experiencing recently would have been an ideal opportunity to bring our aircraft.”
Local leaders say it can help keep dangerous out.
“We have a situation on the Mexican side that’s challenging so we have to make sure we have this type of equipment and not wait till after something drastic happens and then say we should have gotten it.”
The mini helicopter has two cameras on front. One used at daytime one night time. And usually this part will be painted grey or light blue so at about 600 feet it virtually disappears.
But it all comes at a price.
“The cost can be up to 340 thousand dollars.”
Laredo's mayor says leaders in Washington have been boasting about better securing the border.
So now is the perfect time to get what Laredo needs.
“If there’s a commitment to help keep the border safe. Show me the money.”
“I think we can. There money the sheriff’s office gets. Maybe city and county can use together jointly.”
Salinas says everyone is moving to new ways of doing things.
It’s just a race to see who gets there first.
“we all have to be one step ahead of the bad guys.”