Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) wishing to acquire flight assets must first submit a signed, completed request form to the state office. Your agency will then be added to the National Priority List. As aircraft become available, the federal LESO Aircraft Lead allocates them based on a strict multi-point evaluation process.
National Allocation Criteria
The LESO Aircraft Lead reviews all waitlisted agencies using five core criteria to determine final distribution:
- Asset Availability: Current inventory of aircraft available within the federal LESO program.
- Submission Order: The exact date and time the LESO office received the completed request form.
- HIDTA Designation: Priority or specialized consideration for agencies serving within a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
- Geographic Responsibility: Evaluation of the agency's primary operational territory and jurisdictional needs.
- Equitable Distribution: National balancing oversight to ensure fair and balanced allocation across all participating states and departments.
How to Apply
- Download the Form: Access the Aircraft Request (PDF)
- Submit via Email: Send your completed and signed paperwork to txlesoprogram@dps.texas.gov for state approval and national routing.