Sheriff Jason Richardson of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office told the Shreveport City Council on Tuesday that his office is arranging a cooperative helicopter program to provide faster aerial support across northwest Louisiana, and that local agencies could share operating costs.

Richardson said the agency acquired a Bell 206 “JetRanger” variant being refitted with mapping and FLIR (forward-looking infrared) technology and expects to take delivery in November, with a target to be fully operational by Jan. 1. “It’s a more appropriate helicopter . . . that’s being upfitted specifically for our needs,” Richardson said. He added the craft will be based out of Stonewall and can carry five passengers.

Council members and Shreveport public-safety officials described the unit as a regional asset. “To have air support be able to respond to an officer in a pursuit in 2½ to 3 minutes is something we've never experienced in this area,” Richardson said. Councilman Butcher, who introduced Richardson, said the arrangement could help Shreveport avoid the high capital and maintenance costs of owning and operating its own helicopter.

City and sheriff’s officials outlined staffing and preliminary cost-sharing plans: two full‑time pilots already hired (one starting Nov. 1), two tactical flight officers to operate sensors and radios, and a preliminary per‑agency cost “capped at about $150,000,” Richardson said. He also said the unit will monitor radio traffic and maintain routine flight hours, aiming for daily patrols during peak times rather than flying only on request.

Shreveport Police Chief Smith and multiple council members voiced support. Councilman Talafaro—identified as a former officer during the meeting—said the unit would give officers “an incredible edge” on the street and be a deterrent to suspects. Councilman Brooks and Councilman Green praised the regional collaboration and said the helicopter would improve response times to incidents in Shreveport neighborhoods.

Officials said the program is still being developed: Richardson described the financial arrangement as a cooperative endeavor among several jurisdictions and noted maintenance, fuel, personnel and other ongoing costs remain to be finalized. He said DeSoto will retain responsibility for the aircraft, and the parish’s existing helicopter may be kept as a backup to ensure continuous coverage during maintenance.

Council members asked about operational details and siting; Richardson said landing capability for medical transport (to LSU, for example) and rapid response to critical incidents were part of planning. No formal vote or ordinance was presented at the meeting; council members asked for further budget and operational information before committing funds.

The council requested follow-up briefings on cost allocation, flight hours and formal intergovernmental agreements before a funding decision.