A Helicopter Is Coming to Shreveport Law Enforcement

Shreveport could soon have a helicopter available to help police patrol the city.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office currently has a chopper for use in crime fighting efforts. And the parish will soon get a second one. DeSoto Sheriff Jayson Richardson says other than State Police, this is the only law enforcement helicopter north of Alexandria.

Chopper Could Be Used by Several Agencies

Shreveport leaders will be looking at a plan to help pay the cost of the program to make the helicopter available for crime fighting efforts in the city. Each agency is expected to chip in about $150,000 to pay for the program.

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What Is the Response Time for the Helicopter

Sheriff Richardson says the chopper can get to a scene in Shreveport within just a couple of minutes. He says it can be used in various scenarios from a chase to a search for suspects. The helicopter can also provide moving lights in very specific areas.

Sheriff Richardson says DeSoto Parish has one chopper getting a rebuild and another chopper currently operating.

Would Shreveport Have to Call in the Helicopter

But Richardson says the goal of this cooperative agreement would mean the crew for the chopper will monitor calls happening across the region and they will get in the air anytime a situation might need help. They won't be waiting for calls for assistance.

Sheriff Richardson says he expects to take delivery of the refurbished helicopter in November to bring the fleet to 2 choppers.

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Shreveport City Councilman Grayson Boucher has asked that a helipad be built at the North and South Shreveport substation to accommodate this chopper so residents can see it in the neighborhoods. Richardson says he has 2 pilots for the program.