ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando police officers may soon be off the job at Orlando International Airport in favor of a law enforcement agency just to handle the busy travel hub.
At Wednesday’s meeting of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, the board will consider starting the process of transitioning from using the Orlando Police Department to creating an in-house airport police department, according to the meeting agenda.
“For many years, OPD has served MCO with professionalism, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. Its officers have played a vital role in keeping our airport secure and welcoming, and we are sincerely grateful for their partnership and service,” the agenda item reads.
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The document does not say why the agency is doing this, except that they would build “a law enforcement model tailored specifically to the unique environment of an international airport.”
The document calls for establishing a four-year transition plan to allow for recruiting and training airport officers, developing infrastructure and policies, customer service-focused training, and gradually transitioning OPD’s presence.
Part of the process would also include working with OPD to figure out how much this would cost and how it would work.
While airport staff are recommending this, the GOAA board may decide against it, in which case the airport continues to use OPD.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings sit on the board.
[WATCH: Police: Gun found when busting vehicle-for-hire driver at Orlando International Airport]
OPD currently handles all law enforcement activity at the airport, both before and after security checkpoints. For instance, News 6 has reported on police crackdowns of illegal parking and unpermitted vehicle-for-hire drivers.
OPD also makes arrests for people bringing illegal items through security or causing disruptions.
Many international airports, however, do have their own police force. Tampa International Airport, for instance, has its own agency with over 140 sworn officers, traffic specialists and support personnel, according to the TPA website.
The meeting takes place at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at the airport.
Also on the agenda, the unveiling of a new round of concession upgrades as the airport continues a multi-million dollar upgrade to its A and B Terminals, like new and expanded bathrooms, and new lighting, seating, and flooring.
Last year, the airport unveiled new concession packages that will bring a slew of local businesses to the terminals, including restaurants like Stasio’s, Kelly’s Ice Cream, Seito Sushi, and 4Rivers Southern Smokehouse, and shops like Writer’s Block Bookstore and The House on Lang.
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