The DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office has a new weapon to help fight crime.  

The Sheriff recently bought a Robinson R44 Helicopter from the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office in Mississippi.  

"This is another added tool that we have that will help protect the citizens of DeSoto parish and serve them better," said Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle.

Arbuckle says the helicopter, which is fully loaded with a police package and FLIR system, will serve people in other parishes too.

The chopper has already been used to help round up dozens of suspected drug dealers in Sabine parish and the Webster sheriff used it the day after the explosion at Camp Minden.

"I think everybody can benefit from it," said pilot Randi Walding.

Walding says the helicopter can help find anyone from wanted fugitives on the run to lost children or missing boaters.

"Just finding one missing child to me is worth having the helicopter," said Walding.

Arbuckle says he was prepared to spend up to $300,000 on a helicopter, but was able to buy this one for $15,000 less.

He says having an eye in the sky will keep people safer on the ground.