Initially the department consisted of a Supervisor and seven Officers. Officers are required to become very familiar with federal laws regarding aviation security and operations. APO s also perform traditional patrol duties, such as traffic control and enforcement, taking accident and crime reports, making arrests for crimes and warrants, and patrol of the airport properties. Airport Officers respond to calls inside the terminal building, on the airfield, and to business and traffic concerns around the perimeter of the airport. The primary requirement of the Airport Police, by Federal mandate, is the rapid response to the Security Checkpoint in the event of a security breach or illegal items being brought through.
Officers routinely respond to the checkpoint for found weapons, drugs, and other hazardous items.
In addition to police duties, officers routinely assist with a myriad of Airport Operations functions. APO s respond onto the airfield to conduct safety inspections, test runways for braking friction during snow activity, and to respond to in-flight emergencies. Some of our officers are trained to operate the airport s heavy equipment, and will assist with snow removal and fog dispersion operations. Fuel spills, wildlife incursions, debris on the runway anything that could affect the safety of the flying public comes into the realm of responsibility of the Airport Officer. APO s acquire a good knowledge of aviation terminology and procedures, and must learn to communicate with Air Traffic Control.