Lois Larson
Airport police are a security police agency that provides law enforcement functions at airports. They are responsible for a wide range of duties, including patrol, investigation, traffic flow management, and responding to emergencies. Airport police officers are typically empowered by the government of the country or state in which the airport is located. For example, in Singapore, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) operates the Airport Police Division (APD), which functions as the law enforcement agency for Changi Airport and Seletar Airport. In the Philippines, airport police functions are jointly operated by the Philippine National Police and the Office for Transportation Security. In some cases, airport police may be branches of larger general-purpose agencies, or they may be separate entities with specialized training and funding, such as the Santa Barbara Airport Police in California.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries with airport police | India, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, Bermuda, Canada, United States |
| Reporting structure | Varies; sometimes report to airport management, owner or operator, or are part of airport management. |
| Relationship with TSA | Cooperative and close |
| Duties | Patrol, investigation, traffic flow management, control and response to airport emergencies, anti-terrorism, etc. |
| Training | Varies by country and state; for example, in California, officers must complete a 40-hour class and additional aviation security-specific training. |
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What You'll Learn
Airport police roles and responsibilities
Airport police are responsible for performing law enforcement functions and providing enhanced safety to airport employees and passengers. They are often present at security gates, throughout the terminal area, and around the airport's perimeter. Airport police officers are responsible for patrolling, investigating, managing traffic flow, and responding to emergencies. They support federal security directives, airline security programs, and passenger screening. They also enforce airport rules and regulations and assist with traffic and crowd control.
In some cases, airport police are branches of larger general-purpose agencies, and their reporting structure can vary. For example, they may report to a police chief, a public safety director, or a director of operations. Airport police work closely with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, and federal, state, and local agencies.
The specific responsibilities of airport police can vary depending on the country and airport. For instance, in Singapore, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) operates the Airport Police Division (APD), which is responsible for maintaining law and order at Changi Airport and Seletar Airport. In Australia, the Australian Federal Police and Border Force officers are responsible for security at major airports. In the Philippines, airport security is jointly managed by the Philippine National Police and the Office for Transportation Security.
Airport Safety Officers are often cross-trained in fire safety, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and even military units, enabling them to handle a range of situations that may arise in an airport setting.
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Airport police training and qualifications
Airport police officers undergo rigorous training and must meet specific qualifications to ensure they are well-equipped to handle the challenges of working in an airport environment. Here is an overview of the training and qualifications required for airport police officers:
Training and Qualifications:
Background Investigation:
Airport police candidates undergo an extensive background investigation, including a Personal History Statement, fingerprinting, and interviews with family, friends, and associates. Their employment, police, financial, education, and military records are scrutinized, and a polygraph examination may be administered to verify the information provided.
Interviews:
Candidates participate in interviews to assess their suitability for the role. They must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher, which determines their ranking on the eligible list. This score remains valid for two years.
Physical Fitness Assessment:
Airport police officers must maintain excellent physical health and fitness. They are required to undergo a Physical Fitness Qualifier, which assesses their physical readiness for the demands of the academy training and the subsequent police work. Candidates are encouraged to participate in the Airport Physical Fitness Assessment to enhance their chances of success in the selection process and ease their transition into academy life.
Medical Evaluation:
A thorough medical evaluation is conducted by a city physician to ensure candidates are in excellent health. This includes a cardiac stress test and a psychological evaluation by a city psychologist. The psychological assessment consists of written tests and an oral interview to evaluate factors related to successful performance in the stressful job of an airport police officer.
Vision Requirements:
Specific vision standards must be met by airport police officers. Uncorrected distance vision must not exceed 20/70 in either eye, with the best eye having at least 20/40 vision. With eyeglasses or contact lenses, corrected vision must be 20/30 in each eye. Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery must also meet specific vision requirements.
Age and Citizenship:
Airport police officers must meet age requirements, typically being 21 years old or meeting the criteria within a specified timeframe from hiring. Citizenship requirements mandate that candidates must be citizens or residents of their respective countries, such as US citizenship for American airport police officers.
Education and Experience:
While a high school diploma is often the minimum educational requirement, pursuing coursework or degrees in criminology, criminal justice, or similar fields can enhance employment prospects and career advancement opportunities. Some positions may require relevant experience, such as a year of experience in security, aviation screening, or a related field. Prior law enforcement or military service is also advantageous.
Security Guard License:
In certain jurisdictions, airport security officers may need to obtain a Security Guard License, which can sometimes be acquired after being hired.
Specialized Training:
Airport police departments often have specialized divisions, such as Patrol, Investigations, and Special Operations, each requiring unique training. The Special Operations Division, for instance, includes SWAT teams, K9 units, and hostage negotiators, who undergo specific training for tactical situations like hostage crises, aircraft hijackings, and bomb threats.
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Airport police reporting structure
Airport police are responsible for performing law enforcement functions at airports. They provide a wide range of services, including patrol, investigation, traffic flow management, and emergency response. Airport police officers can be found at security gates, throughout terminal areas, and around airport perimeters. They are often cross-trained in fire safety, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and even military units.
The reporting structure of airport police varies depending on the airport and the country. In some cases, airport police are branches of larger general-purpose agencies, while in other cases, they may have their own designated airport police department. For example, in Singapore, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) operates the Airport Police Division (APD), which functions as the law enforcement agency for the country's airports. In the Philippines, airport police functions are jointly operated by the Philippine National Police and the Office for Transportation Security. In the United States, airport police officers are typically employed by the city, county, or district operating the airport, and their primary duty is to enforce the law on properties owned and operated by the employing agency.
In terms of the reporting structure, most frequently, law enforcement personnel report directly to airport management. Less often, they may be employees of the owner or operator, or they may be a part of airport management themselves. The person who reports on behalf of the airport police is most often the police chief, followed by a public safety director or a director of operations. For example, at Dayton International Airport, the police report to a deputy city manager, who then reports to a city manager and, ultimately, a city commission.
Airport police play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of airport employees, passengers, and the aviation industry as a whole. They work closely with other agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to maintain law and order within their jurisdiction.
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Airport police relationship with TSA
Airport police agencies are a vital part of the international aviation security system. They are responsible for law enforcement functions at airports, including patrol, investigation, traffic flow management, and control and response to emergencies. Airport police officers can be found at security gates, throughout the terminal area, and around the airport's perimeter.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for conducting security screenings of passengers, baggage, and cargo at airports. Most TSA officers are not commissioned law enforcement officers, and they cannot arrest individuals. TSA screeners can, however, conduct further searches of individuals or their bags if the initial screening reveals something suspicious.
The relationship between airport police and the TSA varies depending on the country and airport. In some cases, airport police are branches of larger general-purpose agencies, while in other cases, they are separate entities. For example, in Singapore, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) operates the Airport Police Division (APD), which functions as the law enforcement agency for Changi Airport and Seletar Airport. In the Philippines, airport police functions are jointly operated by the Philippine National Police and the Office for Transportation Security.
In the United States, the TSA and airport police departments have been described as having a cooperative and close relationship, with some meeting frequently and others having a daily working relationship. The TSA works closely with law enforcement communities to share information and maintain aviation security standards. TSA's screening procedures are intended to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security.
Overall, while the specific details of their collaboration may differ, airport police and the TSA work together to ensure the safety and security of airports and passengers.
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Airport police complaints and accountability
Airport police units are a security police agency that performs law enforcement functions at airports. They are responsible for a wide range of duties, including patrol, investigation, traffic flow management, and responding to emergencies. They are vital components of the international aviation security system. Airport police officers are granted peace officer status by penal code section 830.33(d).
The specific governing body that empowers airport police varies depending on the country and airport in question. For example, in Singapore, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) operates the Airport Police Division (APD), which functions as the law enforcement agency for Changi Airport and Seletar Airport. In the Philippines, airport police functions are jointly operated by the Philippine National Police and the Office for Transportation Security. In Australia, the Australian Federal Police and Border Force officers are responsible for security at major airports.
In the United States, some airports have their own designated airport police departments, such as Burbank, Fresno, Los Angeles, and San Diego. These departments are typically empowered by the local city or state government and have peace officer authority under the relevant penal code. For example, the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority Police Department is a POST-certified department with law enforcement authority under the California Penal Code 830.33.
At other US airports, airport police may be branches of larger general-purpose agencies or local municipal or county agencies. For instance, the Santa Barbara Airport Police Department is a separate entity from the Santa Barbara Police Department but works closely with them. The Santa Barbara Airport Police Department reports directly to the City of Santa Barbara's Airport Department, which owns and operates the airport.
Airport police departments are accountable to the public and have mechanisms in place to address complaints and ensure excellence in service. For example, the Santa Barbara Airport Police Department encourages feedback and provides a Complaint Form on its website for community members to report any issues or concerns related to its officers or security aides. The department reviews all allegations of misconduct and initiates a formal process to ensure accountability and improve its services.
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Frequently asked questions
In the Philippines, airport police functions are jointly operated by the Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group of DILG and the Office for Transportation Security - Civil Aviation Security Bureau of DOTr.
In Singapore, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) operates The Airport Police Division (APD). The APD functions as the law enforcement agency responsible for the maintenance of law and order within its jurisdiction.
In the United States, some airports have their own designated airport police departments (such as Burbank, Fresno, Los Angeles, and San Diego). However, the vast majority of airports are covered by the local municipal or county agency in which the airport is physically located (such as Orange County, San Jose, and San Francisco).
In India, airport security is handled by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
