DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jason Richardson told the Shreveport City Council that his office has acquired a jet ranger helicopter being refitted with mapping and FLIR (forward-looking infrared) equipment and intends to base it in Stonewall for regional use.

Richardson said the aircraft will include the latest mapping technology, FLIR, and radio communications that allow the helicopter crew to see and share unit locations with ground officers. He described a cooperative funding model in which participating agencies would share operating expenses and estimated the cap at about $150,000 per agency. “To have air support...to respond to an officer in a pursuit and a foot pursuit in 2 and a half to 3 minutes is something that we've never experienced in this area,” Richardson said.

Why it matters: The proposal would give law enforcement near-instant aerial response across jurisdictions in north Louisiana, potentially shortening search and pursuit response times and increasing surveillance and medical-evacuation options.

Details and local reaction
Sheriff Richardson said the unit is being upfitted specifically for regional needs and noted the department already has two pilots hired (one started the day of the meeting, a second begins Nov. 1) and two tactical flight officers who manage equipment and radios. He said the helicopter can carry five passengers, land for medical evacuations, and will likely keep a backup aircraft to maintain coverage during maintenance.

Council members and other officials praised the cooperative approach. Councilman Talifaro (sp.) described the capability as an “incredible edge” for officers and stressed the psychological deterrent of a visible aircraft. Councilman Green said the proposal “changes the whole ballgame,” and other members urged continued interagency collaboration on cost and operational details.

Cost and next steps
Richardson described an initial cost-share estimate of about $150,000 per participating agency for routine expenses; agencies would coordinate on staffing and day-to-day flight schedules. He said the unit is expected to be operational by the start of the new year, with a Stonewall base chosen for rapid regional response.

No formal council vote or appropriation occurred during the meeting; council members asked the sheriff and the police chief to continue discussions with city staff about budgeting and operations.

What was asked of the council
Council members asked about hours and routine flight patterns, data sharing and radio integration with Shreveport’s CAD, and whether the helicopter would be available without a formal request (Richardson said crews would monitor radio traffic and could launch proactively). Officials also discussed helipad locations and possible landing sites at city substations.

Outlook
Council members expressed broad support for further study of a cooperative purchase and for identifying possible budget contributions, while asking staff to return with more detailed cost and operational plans.