A Madison Police Department officer operates one of the department's two new drones. The MPD officially launched its new drone team Monday, though the program has been operational since June 1. The team has been called on five times to use the drones to search for missing people, suspects and fugitives. Using a drone that can quickly survey a large swath of area is particularly helpful in searching for missing people. Additionally, the distance a drone provides between an officer and a potentially dangerous suspect is a benefit, Hanson said.