New research shows that a lack of clear standards for using the technology has led many agencies to resort to an array of questionable practices in attempting to identify criminal suspects.

Expert witnesses told the 18-member panel how the data-driven algorithms the city uses can sometimes lead to racially biased policies.

The department has revealed "Patternizr," a tool used the past two year years to spot crime patterns nearly invisible to the human eye.

The department's technical assistance response unit will use the drones to assist officers in certain investigations.