EL MONTE, Calif. (KABC) — The El Monte Police Department is making some changes in how it protects and serves the city.

The department has invested in equipment that ranges from a fleet of drones that help officers assess situations to bulletproofing several vehicles.

“It gives the officers a lot less anxiety when they’re out,” El Monte police Det. Clayton Duran said of the bulletproof vehicles.

It’s been just over three years since two El Monte police officers were ambushed and killed after responding to a domestic violence call at a motel.

Along with bulletproof vehicles, the department has invested in another armored vehicle. It’s also taking advantage of new technology, like a directional speaker that sends commands directly to a specific target such as a door or window.

“We can be up to 100 to 150 yards away with this particular piece of equipment and project clear sound in the direction we would like that to go,” El Monte police Lt. Mark Snook said about the speaker.

The department now has a fleet of drones that can be launched to assess situations before officers arrive. That gives responding officers information in real time to come up with a plan of action.

El Monte police also have an athletic trainer to help officers prevent and recover from injuries.

The city manager says tax dollars and grant money are helping pay for the equipment.

The department is actively recruiting new officers to fill their ranks. The city manager has allocated funds to add at least 17 new officers.

“We’re looking for people from all walks of life that can contribute to the community,” Chief Jake Fisher said. “We have a special emphasis on people with some sort of connection to El Monte. A lot of people went to school here, grew up here. That comes in handy but not necessary.”

For more information on applying, visit the department’s website.