The Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft Operations Division is one of the largest and most versatile state-level airborne law enforcement units in the United States. Operating across a vast and varied landscape, the division supports public safety agencies statewide with missions ranging from law enforcement patrol and border interdiction to search-and-rescue, disaster response, and tactical transport. Its diverse fleet includes Airbus AS350, H125, and EC145 helicopters, alongside a Bell 412 and fixed-wing aircraft such as Pilatus PC-12s, Cessna Caravans, and a King Air. A hallmark of the program is its innovative tactical flight officer partnership model, bringing officers from local departments into airborne roles and strengthening cooperation across Texas law enforcement agencies.
“We’re not just flying for DPS. We’re flying for all the citizens of Texas.”
— Lt. pilot Clay Lacey
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Quick Facts
- Texas DPS operates 28 aircraft based at 13 duty stations, including helicopters and fixed-wing platforms supporting missions across the state.
- The division includes about 110 personnel, including roughly 50 pilots and 30 to 40 tactical flight officers.
- Texas DPS also runs one of the largest law enforcement UAS programs in the country, with hundreds of certified drone pilots supporting airborne operations.
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