ORLANDO, Fla. — Leaders with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority voted unanimously Wednesday to explore a new security plan that could involve creating its own police force instead of continuing a long-standing partnership with the Orlando Police Department.
What You Need To Know
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) board is scheduled to meet for a board meeting Wednesday afternoon where officials are expected to vote on whether or not to transition to an internal police department
Currently, Orlando International Airport partners with the Orlando Police Department (OPD) for law enforcement services
It is unclear how many officers OPD provides to MCO and how much that contract costs the airport annually
GOAA claims if approved, this in-house police agency would help to tailor safety and security to an airport environment
GOAA will now begin discussing the transition process with the city and OPD, along with what an in-house police force would look like.
Other topics of discussion included infrastructure, policies, cost, and recruitment & training.
However, GOAA officials said if the vote to begin discussions fails, the Orlando International Airport will continue with its current agreement with OPD.
While OPD has long provided service at MCO, but airport officials say they are looking to enhance that security with a police force more tailored to the airport environment.
Spectrum News 13 reached out to the Orlando International Airport on Tuesday to get more details on what the current contract with OPD entails. In a late response Tuesday night, MCO said in part:
“Regarding police services, we do not have any data … Please note that the board will vote on whether to even enter preliminary discussions on this matter.”
Spectrum News 13 also reached out to the Orlando Police Department Tuesday for any details on the current contract. We asked:
How many officers service the airport?
How much does MCO pay to have an agreement with OPD?
How often is the contract reviewed or amended, and when was the last review?
As of Wednesday morning, we had not received a response.
There are already several major airports that provide security via an in-house law enforcement agency.
If this concept were to move forward at the Orlando International Airport, they would join other airports like Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Tampa International Airport, which has 140 sworn officers.