The conversation for a proposed police force designated for the Orlando International Airport got the go-ahead for takeoff. On Wednesday, airport officials with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority voted unanimously to engage in discussions with the city of Orlando and the Orlando Police Department on developing an in-house police department for the airport. “As MCO continues to grow into one of the nation’s busiest airports, the Aviation Authority is continuously evaluating how to best meet the evolving needs of passengers, employees, and stakeholders,” said GOAA spokesperson Angela Starke. “MCO operates as a mini city with its own 911 center, fire services, and other infrastructure support.”Starke added that the proposal is in an “exploratory stage” and that nothing is marked. A Nov. 19 memorandum from GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle to members of the airport authority board called for a four-year transition plan, which would allow for the recruitment and training of specialized airport police officers. Development of infrastructure, policies and procedures are among other items listed, as well as the gradual transition of OPD presence. A statement to WESH 2 from the city of Orlando and OPD said: “For decades, the Orlando Police Department has proudly served the Orlando International Airport (MCO) with the highest level of professionalism, living up to the department’s core values of Courage, Pride, and Commitment. MCO welcomes more than 57 million travelers each year, and OPD officers have worked hand in hand with GOAA, as well as our state and federal partners, to ensure the safety and security of all who pass through our world-class airport.”The statement continued: “As Orlando continues to grow, so does our airport. This collaborative exploration reflects our shared commitment to plan proactively for that growth, ensuring that public safety services at MCO evolve in a way that best serves travelers and our entire community.” Orlando police says they will work with the city and GOAA to carefully assess the best path forward to continue delivering the exceptional level of service our residents and visitors expect.Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who is also a former Orlando police chief, advised on carefully looking at staffing. “If there’s a staffing shortage or vacancy or what have you here at the airport, the Orlando Police Department has the ability because of its size, from its other operations, to pull staff to be able to staff up to fill whatever vacancies may be,” said Demings. $35 million toward OPD services is allocated from GOAA’s 2026 fiscal year budget. The discussions with Orlando police and the city will help GOAA in areas of costs and logistics in developing an internal police department, airport officials say.

ORLANDO, Fla. —

The conversation for a proposed police force designated for the Orlando International Airport got the go-ahead for takeoff.

On Wednesday, airport officials with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority voted unanimously to engage in discussions with the city of Orlando and the Orlando Police Department on developing an in-house police department for the airport.

“As MCO continues to grow into one of the nation’s busiest airports, the Aviation Authority is continuously evaluating how to best meet the evolving needs of passengers, employees, and stakeholders,” said GOAA spokesperson Angela Starke. “MCO operates as a mini city with its own 911 center, fire services, and other infrastructure support.”

Starke added that the proposal is in an “exploratory stage” and that nothing is marked.

A Nov. 19 memorandum from GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle to members of the airport authority board called for a four-year transition plan, which would allow for the recruitment and training of specialized airport police officers.

Development of infrastructure, policies and procedures are among other items listed, as well as the gradual transition of OPD presence.

A statement to WESH 2 from the city of Orlando and OPD said:

“For decades, the Orlando Police Department has proudly served the Orlando International Airport (MCO) with the highest level of professionalism, living up to the department’s core values of Courage, Pride, and Commitment. MCO welcomes more than 57 million travelers each year, and OPD officers have worked hand in hand with GOAA, as well as our state and federal partners, to ensure the safety and security of all who pass through our world-class airport.”

The statement continued: “As Orlando continues to grow, so does our airport. This collaborative exploration reflects our shared commitment to plan proactively for that growth, ensuring that public safety services at MCO evolve in a way that best serves travelers and our entire community.”

Orlando police says they will work with the city and GOAA to carefully assess the best path forward to continue delivering the exceptional level of service our residents and visitors expect.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who is also a former Orlando police chief, advised on carefully looking at staffing.

“If there’s a staffing shortage or vacancy or what have you here at the airport, the Orlando Police Department has the ability because of its size, from its other operations, to pull staff to be able to staff up to fill whatever vacancies may be,” said Demings.

$35 million toward OPD services is allocated from GOAA’s 2026 fiscal year budget.

The discussions with Orlando police and the city will help GOAA in areas of costs and logistics in developing an internal police department, airport officials say.