Commission approves 10.5% premium for tactical flight officer role, asks for December assessment

The State Police Commission on May 8 approved a request from the Louisiana State Police to establish a special premium rate of 10.5% above an incumbent’s base pay for all hours worked in position number 50557061 while performing tactical flight officer duties.

Commissioners were told the tactical flight officer (TFO) operates sophisticated aerial investigative equipment in rotary‑wing aircraft—work described as technical and dangerous that should not distract pilots from flying. Agency officials said the premium is intended to incentivize troopers to staff that role and provide lateral mobility without creating a separate permanent siloed title.

Agency speakers described recent operational examples in which air support aided ground units in high‑speed pursuits and wildfire response; officials said the TFO operates cameras, thermal imaging and hoist systems during rescues and night operations. The commission heard that the request would allow the agency to create an incentivized “trial” position to gather data before expanding the program.

Commissioners amended the request to require the agency to return with an assessment by December 2025 reporting callouts, missions that used a TFO, logged flight hours, and other analytics to determine whether the single position is sufficient. The amended motion and the underlying request were approved by voice vote.

The commission and agency identified Major Jason Smith as the command inspector overseeing emergency response and named Keith Grill as the command pilot involved in air operations. The agency said it operates hangars in Baton Rouge and Alexandria and regularly supports local sheriff and police departments.

The approval creates a compensation premium for the designated position; the agency will report back in December with usage data and recommendations about additional positions or changes to eligibility and certification requirements.