Policing Tampa Airport: Is It Safe?

The Tampa International Airport Police Department (TIAPD) is a fully accredited law enforcement agency responsible for ensuring the safety and security of millions of passengers, employees, and guests who pass through the airport each year. With a team of over 140 officers and support staff, the TIAPD provides a comprehensive range of traditional policing services, including criminal investigations, K-9 operations, and traffic management. The department is committed to professional development and teamwork, offering various employment opportunities and benefits to its officers. The TIAPD also actively engages with the community, participating in events and educational initiatives to promote safety and security.

The Tampa International Airport Police Department (TIAPD)

As an award-winning agency, the TIAPD is committed to excellence and provides professional law enforcement services to over 19 million annual passengers and thousands of daily employees and guests. The department prioritizes the continuous development of skills and knowledge through focused training, fostering a culture of teamwork and dedication to duty.

The TIAPD handles a diverse range of specialized services, including Criminal Investigations, K-9 Unit, Professional Standards Unit, Uniform Patrol, Bike Squad, and Field Training. They actively engage with the community, participating in events and educational initiatives to enhance safety and security awareness among children, families, and the broader Tampa Bay community.

In addition to their law enforcement duties, the TIAPD manages the airport's Lost and Found and emphasizes the importance of crime prevention and detection. They encourage the public to utilize their free mobile app, "TPA Tips," for submitting tips, requesting information, and filing reports. The department also provides an anonymous toll-free tip line and email for reporting suspicious activity, demonstrating their commitment to keeping the airport community safe and secure.

The department's role in crime prevention

The Tampa International Airport Police Department (TPAPD/TIAPD) is a fully accredited law enforcement agency with over 140 officers, traffic specialists, and support staff. The department is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the millions of passengers, employees, and guests who pass through the airport every year.

The Crime Prevention Unit, in collaboration with the K9 unit, plays a vital role in community engagement and education. They actively participate in events and activities within the airport community and the wider Tampa Bay area to spread awareness about safety, security, and law enforcement. Their presentations cover a range of topics, including travel safety, human trafficking, stranger danger, and encouraging people to report suspicious activity. The Crime Prevention Unit also provides tours of the police department and takes part in community events such as Coffee With a Cop, National Night Out Against Crime, and Safety Day Events.

The department also emphasizes the importance of continuous development and training for its officers, fostering a culture of teamwork and commitment to duty. They offer a comprehensive range of traditional law enforcement services and enforce federal regulations related to transportation security. The Crime Prevention Unit encourages members of the airport community to report any criminal activity or unusual behavior through their anonymous tip line and email.

Additionally, the TIAPD offers opportunities for its officers in various areas of police work, including criminal investigations, the K-9 unit, uniform patrol, and field training. They also provide incentives for continuing education and career development, demonstrating their commitment to the growth and well-being of their officers.

Law enforcement services provided

The Tampa International Airport Police Department (TPAPD/TIAPD) is a fully accredited law enforcement agency that provides a range of services to ensure the safety and security of the millions of passengers, employees, and guests who use the airport each year. With a team of over 140 officers and support staff, the department offers various traditional law enforcement services, including:

Criminal Investigations

The department has a team of trained investigators who handle a range of criminal cases, from theft to more serious offences. They work closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of the airport and the wider community.

K-9 Unit

The K-9 Unit plays a vital role in law enforcement at the airport, assisting with tasks such as detecting drugs or explosives, searching for missing persons, and conducting patrols to deter criminal activity. The unit also participates in community events and activities to educate the public on law enforcement and travel safety.

Professional Standards Unit

This unit ensures that all officers within the department uphold the highest professional standards and adhere to departmental policies and procedures. They handle recruitment, training, and development, as well as internal affairs investigations, to maintain the integrity of the department.

Uniform Patrol and Bike Squad

The Uniform Patrol and Bike Squad are the visible presence of the department, providing a deterrent to criminal activity and offering assistance to passengers and employees. They conduct foot and bike patrols throughout the airport, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.

Field Training

The department provides comprehensive field training for its officers, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle the unique challenges of working in an airport environment. This includes training in areas such as crowd management, emergency response, and airport-specific law enforcement procedures.

In addition to these services, the Tampa International Airport Police Department also enforces federal regulations related to transportation security and manages the airport's Lost and Found. The department is committed to providing professional law enforcement services and values the continual development of skills and knowledge through focused training.

The K9 unit

The Tampa International Airport Police Department (TPAPD) is a fully accredited law enforcement agency with over 140 sworn officers, traffic specialists, and support personnel. The K9 unit is an integral part of the department's operations, providing specialized services to ensure the safety and security of travellers and staff.

Each year, the K9 unit actively participates in community events and outreach programmes. They take part in educational initiatives like the Citizen's Police Academy, where the public can witness a K9 demonstration and learn about the unit's crucial role in airport security. The K9 unit also joins celebrations like the Gasparilla Celebration and community events such as Plant City's Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.

The Tampa International Airport Police Department's K9 unit is a highly trained and dedicated team that plays a vital role in ensuring the security of the airport. Through their diligent work, the unit helps to deter and prevent criminal activities, enhancing the overall safety of travellers, staff, and the wider Tampa community.

Traffic specialists and support personnel

The Tampa International Airport Police Department (TPAPD) is a full-service, accredited law enforcement agency that includes sworn police officers, traffic specialists, and support personnel. The department is committed to providing professional law enforcement services to the millions of passengers, employees, and guests who use the airport daily.

The traffic specialists bring expertise in traffic management, ensuring the efficient and safe movement of vehicles within the airport premises. They collaborate with various airport departments, including operations and security, to optimize traffic flow, especially during peak hours. These specialists are also responsible for implementing traffic safety measures, such as speed limits and designated pick-up and drop-off areas, to maintain a safe environment for pedestrians and vehicles alike.

Support personnel play a crucial role in assisting the police officers and traffic specialists in their daily duties. They provide administrative and operational support, ensuring that the law enforcement team can focus on their core responsibilities. Support personnel handle a range of tasks, from managing records and reports to coordinating with other airport departments. They also assist with community engagement initiatives, such as educational programs and ride-along experiences, fostering positive relationships between the airport police and the public.

The Tampa International Airport Police Department takes a comprehensive approach to law enforcement and security, and the traffic specialists and support personnel are integral to this mission. Together, they work tirelessly to create a safe and secure environment for travellers, employees, and visitors at the airport.

Frequently asked questions