Join Airport Police: Application Process And Requirements

If you're interested in applying for a role as an airport police officer, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, airport police officers are sworn peace officers, authorised to carry firearms and enforce federal and state regulations. The requirements to apply for this role vary depending on the airport and location. For example, in Los Angeles, you need to be at least 20 years old at the time of application and 21 years old by police academy graduation, while in Texas, the minimum age requirement is 21 years old. Additionally, you'll need to meet specific educational requirements, such as a high school diploma or GED, and in some cases, a college degree or military service may be required. It's also important to note that airport police officers need to pass rigorous background checks, medical evaluations, and physical fitness assessments. The selection process typically includes a multiple-choice test, an interview, and a physical fitness qualifier.

Minimum age requirements

The minimum age requirements to apply for a role as an airport police officer vary depending on the airport and the state.

For example, to apply for a role as an Airport Police Officer at Los Angeles World Airports, you must be at least 20 years old at the time of application and 21 years old by police academy graduation.

Similarly, the minimum age requirement to apply for a role as a Federal Police Officer in Washington, DC, is 20 years old, and you must be under 37 years old at the time of receiving a conditional offer of employment.

In contrast, the minimum age requirement to apply for a role as a Police Officer at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is 21 years old.

Education requirements

The educational requirements to become an airport police officer vary depending on the airport and the state. However, there are some commonalities.

For example, in Los Angeles, applicants are required to have graduated from a U.S. high school, obtained a G.E.D., or an equivalent from a U.S. institution, or a California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate. A two or four-year college degree from an accredited U.S. or foreign institution may be substituted for the high school requirements.

In Texas, applicants must have obtained a High School Diploma, and at least one of the following: 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university, two years of continuous active-duty military service with an honorable discharge, two years of full-time experience as a paid police officer, or a current TCOLE license/certification.

In Massachusetts, candidates for the position of Campus Police Officer I at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy must be certified police officers in Massachusetts per MPTC/POST standards.

Additionally, some airports, such as the one in Memphis, do not specify any educational requirements.

Application methods

The application process for airport police positions varies depending on the airport and the state. Here is a list of general steps to follow when applying for airport police jobs:

• Check the Requirements: Before applying, ensure you meet the minimum requirements, which often include age (e.g., at least 20 years old), education (e.g., high school diploma or GED), citizenship (e.g., US citizen), and valid driver's license. Some positions may also require a college degree, military service, or previous law enforcement experience.
• Complete the Application Form: Most airports provide online application forms on their official websites or third-party job portals. Carefully review and complete the application form, providing all the necessary information and documents.
• Submit the Application: Follow the specific instructions provided by the airport police department for submitting your application. This could be through email, mail, fax, or in-person submission. Some airports may also require notarization of your application package.
• Background Investigation: As part of the selection process, airports typically conduct extensive background investigations. This includes checks on employment history, education, criminal records, and interviews with references. You may also be required to undergo fingerprinting and a polygraph examination.
• Interview: If your application is successful, you will typically be invited for an interview to further assess your suitability for the role. This may include behavioural and scenario-based questions to evaluate your qualifications, experience, and interpersonal skills.
• Physical Fitness Assessment: Many airport police departments require candidates to undergo a physical fitness assessment or qualifier to ensure they meet the physical demands of the role. This may include tests of strength, endurance, and agility.
• Medical Evaluation: A comprehensive medical evaluation is usually conducted to ensure candidates are in excellent health and can safely perform the duties of an airport police officer. This may include a cardiac stress test, psychological evaluation, and vision test.
• Certification and Appointment: Once you have successfully completed all the previous steps, you may be offered a position as an airport police officer. This may be conditional upon further training and orientation programs.

It is important to carefully review the specific requirements and application process for the airport police department you are interested in joining, as the steps may vary depending on the location and organization.

Training and qualifications

To become an airport police officer, you will need to meet certain qualifications and complete training. Here are the general requirements and steps to become an airport police officer:

Qualifications:

• Age: You must be at least 20 or 21 years of age, depending on the specific requirements of the hiring agency.
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically required. Some agencies may also accept a two or four-year college degree as a substitute for the high school requirement.
• Citizenship: US citizenship is usually required for airport police officer positions.
• Driver's License: A valid driver's license is typically required.
• Language: Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English is often necessary.

Training:

• Police Academy: You will need to attend and graduate from a police academy to become a sworn peace officer. The training covers various aspects of law enforcement, including firearm use, arrest procedures, report writing, and more.
• Background Check: A comprehensive background investigation is typically conducted, including employment, education, criminal records checks, and interviews with references.
• Interview: You will undergo an interview as part of the selection process to assess your suitability for the position.
• Physical Fitness: Maintaining excellent physical health and fitness is crucial for airport police officers. You will need to pass a physical fitness assessment or qualifier, which may include tests for strength, endurance, and agility.
• Medical Evaluation: A thorough medical evaluation is conducted to ensure you are in good health and can safely perform the duties of an airport police officer. This may include a cardiac stress test and a psychological evaluation.
• Vision and Hearing: Your vision and hearing must meet specific standards to ensure you can effectively perform the job.
• Substance Screening: Pre-employment substance screening may be required to ensure you are free from any illegal or controlled substances.
• Firearm Proficiency: As airport police officers are typically authorised to carry firearms, maintaining firearm proficiency through regular training and qualifications is essential.

Once you have successfully completed the necessary training and met all the qualifications, you will be appointed as an airport police officer and will likely undergo a probationary period, during which you will receive further on-the-job training and evaluation.

Salary and benefits

The salary of an airport police officer varies depending on location and level of experience. In the United States, the average annual pay is $64,459, with the 25th percentile being $52,000 and the 75th percentile being $74,000. The salary range can be from $27,500 to $101,500 annually.

In Los Angeles, the salary for an airport police officer ranges from $87,257 to $132,810 per year. In Massachusetts, a sworn police officer in the Massachusetts Maritime Academy earns between $76,074.96 and $115,264.56 annually.

In addition to the base salary, there are numerous benefits associated with the role of an airport police officer. These may include:

• Paid vacation and sick time
• Group medical, dental, and vision plans
• Pension plans
• Tuition reimbursement
• Deferred compensation plans
• Annual starting salary
• Opportunities for advancement and increased pay

Frequently asked questions