The Orlando International Airport is exploring creating its own dedicated police force rather than relying on the Orlando Police Department to handle law enforcement duties.<\/p>\n
Such a model would follow other large airports that have their own police units, including those in Los Angeles, Dallas and Tampa.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a strategic step toward building a law enforcement model tailored specifically to the unique environment of an international airport,\u201d said Jonathan Cute, vice president of security for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which oversees the Orlando airport.<\/p>\n
The aviation authority\u2019s board voted this past week to begin conversations about the shift. For years, the authority has paid for law enforcement services through an agreement with the Orlando Police Department.<\/p>\n
Proponents of standalone airport police departments say they allow for specialized training, align the force with airport leadership and streamline relationships with other agencies. City police officers stationed at the airport could be reassigned to neighborhoods in need of increased patrols.<\/p>\n
Shawn Dunlap, a spokesman for Orlando\u2019s police union, voiced his support for the idea of an MCO police department.<\/p>\n
\u201cOPD has long provided decades of strong service at MCO,\u201d said Dunlap of the Fraternal Order of Police Orlando Lodge #25. \u201cHowever, a standalone police department could possibly offer GOAA greater flexibility and long-term stability as the airport continues to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n
An airport police department would play an important public safety role in Central Florida.\u00a0With more than 57 million annual passengers<\/a>, Orlando International is the ninth busiest airport in the country.<\/p>\n