Assessing the Police – Part 14 – Airport and Port Police - Jurisdiction and Authority

One of the many great things about a career in law enforcement is the wide variety of jobs and agencies that exist, the past few months I have highlighted some of the agencies and job opportunities that exist in my monthly articles to the field, including part 10 discussing jail deputies, part 11 discussing railroad police, part 12 discussing college and school police, and part 13 discussing California state agencies. This article continues this trend and explores the legal authority and role of two critical specialties in law enforcement, airport police and port police agencies. ?

Some airports have their own designated airport police department (such as Burbank, Fresno Los Angeles, and San Diego), however the vast majority do not, they are covered by the local municipal or county agency in which the airport is physically located (such as Orange County, San Jose, San Francisco). Some airports have sworn law enforcement, some have private security, some have a police agency that is a combination of the two functions.? The same is true when evaluating port police agencies.

Airport Police – 830.33(d) PC

Airport police officers obtain their peace officer status from penal code section 830.33(d). Any person regularly employed as an airport law enforcement officer by a city, county, or district operating the airport or by a joint powers agency, created pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 6500) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, operating the airport, if the primary duty of the peace officer is the enforcement of the law in or about properties owned, operated, and administered by the employing agency or when performing necessary duties with respect to patrons, employees, and properties of the employing agency. There are several Airport Police agencies in California, listed below are those that participate in the POST program.

All airport police officers require specific training per per 832.1 PC. ?POST has created a 40-hour class that must be attended by any airport security officer, airport policeman, or airport special officer, regularly employed and paid by a city, county, city and county, or district who is a peace officer shall have completed a course of training relative to airport security approved by the Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training. Any such airport officer so employed on the effective date of this section shall have completed the course of instruction required by this section by September 1, 1973. Any airport officer so employed after such effective date shall have completed the course of instruction within 90 days after such employment. Any officer who has not satisfactorily completed such course within such prescribed time shall not continue to have the powers of a peace officer until they have satisfactorily completed the course.

The Burbank Airport Authority have a 32-officer department called the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority Police Department, the agency is a POST certified department fully empowered Police Officers (under the authority of Penal Code 830.33), in a general law enforcement capacity. Typical duties include uniformed patrol, traffic, crowd control, fixed check point positions, roving foot, bicycle and T-3 patrol, anti-terrorism, airport/aviation related security and other police duties as required. Officers currently work 4-10 hour shifts and provide 24 hour law enforcement coverage at the airport.

The Fresno Yosemite International Airport has a six-officer department called the Fresno Yosemite International Airport Department of Public Safety; they are a California POST certified law enforcement agency. Their goals are to protect the public, airport employees, our airlines, and civil aviation. We also work hard to assist travelers and help make their airport experience as safe and carefree as possible. Our officers work closely with the TSA, at the screening checkpoints, and the FAA to ensure the safety of our passengers and employees. The agency also screens and issues airport access badges, inspects all vehicles coming into the airport fence line, and patrols the terminal and airport perimeter. And with the assistance of an on-site Fresno Fire Aircraft Rescue component, they handle all in-flight aircraft and medical emergencies. If you want more info, please contact any police officer, service aide, or call their 24-hour Communications Center at (559) 621-6670.

The Los Angeles World Airport Police have 496 officers. The Los Angeles Airport Police Division (sometimes referred to as "LAWAPD" or LAXPD") is the largest police agency in the United States dedicated exclusively to 24-hour airport activities. It is the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County. ?It also has the largest civilian airport security force in the nation (over 500). LAXPD is a division of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the city department that owns and operates two airports in Southern California: Los Angeles International, and Van Nuys (general aviation).

The department obtains its legal authority from PC 830.15(a). The law states, not withstanding subdivision (d) of Section 830.33, a person regularly employed as an airport law enforcement officer by Los Angeles World Airports is a peace officer for purposes of Section 830.1 if and when the Los Angeles Police Commission and the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners enter into an agreement to enable the Inspector General of the Los Angeles Police Commission to conduct audits and investigations of the Los Angeles Airport Police Division.

Per 830.15(b) For purposes of this section, “Los Angeles World Airports” means the department of the City of Los Angeles that owns and operates the Los Angeles International Airport, the Ontario International Airport, the Palmdale Regional Airport, and the Van Nuys Airport. Per section (c) If the Los Angeles Police Commission and the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners do not take the necessary actions provided in subdivision (a) and do not make a record of that action publicly available on or before April 1, 2014, this section shall become inoperative on that date and, as of January 1, 2015, is repealed, unless a later enacted statute that is enacted before January 1, 2015, deletes or extends the dates on which this section becomes inoperative and is repealed.

Municipal and County Police Agencies with Airport Responsibilities

The Alameda County Sheriff Airport Police Services Division provides police service to the Oakland International Airport (OAK), an international airport located 10 miles (16 km) south of Downtown Oakland in Oakland, California, United States located in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is owned by the Port of Oakland and has domestic passenger flights to cities throughout the United States and international flights to Mexico and the Azores, in addition to cargo flights to China and Japan. For more visit https://www.oaklandairport.com/airport-security/sheriff-info/

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department provides police services to Buchanan Field. This airport boasts a recently renovated runway, premier aviation services and facilities, emergency response services, access to Bay Area transportation and business centers, and amenities to connect the public to aviation. For more info visit https://www.cocosheriff.org/

The Del Rey Oaks Police Department provides police services to the Monterey Regional Airport. The Monterey Regional Airport receives contract law enforcement services from the City of Del Rey Oaks Police Department in a unique law enforcement services collaboration. For more info visit https://montereyairport.specialdistrict.org/police

The Kern County Sheriff’s Department provides police services to the Airports Administration and Meadows Field Airport, which is owned by the County of Kern, it is one of six airports operated by the Department of Airports which serves more than 1.4 million people in or near the Southern San Joaquin Valley. The airport is located approximately 7 miles north of downtown Bakersfield. Highway 99 and Merle Haggard Dr. provide the most direct access to the passenger terminal. The airport is approximately 1,400 acres in size. The passenger terminal is open from 4:30 am to 1:30 am daily. For more info visit https://kernsheriff.org/

The Ontario Police Department’s Airport Operations Bureau provides police service to the Ontario Airport.?The Airport Operations Bureau consists of police officers, explosive detection canines, narcotic detection canines and community service officers. The Ontario International Airport is approximately 2.7 square miles in area with more than 5.1 million passengers flying in and out of its terminals annually. The Ontario International Airport is also one of the major west coast hubs for two major airline cargo carriers. The Airport Operations Bureau patrols all areas of the airport, investigates crimes, manages traffic flow and responds to airport emergencies, all while enforcing Transportation Safety Administration regulations and airport security programs. The airport is owned by the LA World Airports, per 830.15(b) the LAWA owns and operates the Los Angeles International Airport, the Ontario International Airport, the Palmdale Regional Airport, and the Van Nuys Airport. For more info visit https://www.ontarioca.gov/Police/AirportOperations

The Orange County Sheriff's Department provides police services to the John Wayne Airport. The John Wayne Airport Police Services Bureau responsibilities include airport security, enforcement of applicable laws, parking/traffic control, Lost & Found property management, response to medical emergencies, and assisting citizens conducting business at the airport. The Bureau consists of Deputy Sheriffs and Sheriff's Special Officers. Explosive Detection Teams, comprised of one Deputy Sheriff and one explosives detection K-9 per team, supplement the staff. Investigative support is provided by the Sheriff’s Department which includes a Narcotics Investigator and his narcotics detection canine. This team provides additional security to the airport making random searches in baggage areas for the detection of drug smuggling and trafficking. Upon transfer to the airport, staff members receive training in Aviation Security covering explosives, hazardous materials, illegal narcotics, criminal/security awareness, and FAA regulations. They are responsible for general law enforcement services and the general protection and safety of passengers, visitors and employees. To learn more visit https://cms.ocgov.com/gov/sheriff/divisions/fieldops/airport.asp

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department provides police services to several county owned airports. The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, through its Aviation Division, oversees the operation, maintenance, and development of a system of five general aviation airports owned by the County of Los Angeles: Brackett Field Airport in La Verne, Compton/Woodley Airport in Compton, San Gabriel Valley Airport in El Monte, General William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster, and Whiteman Airport in Pacoima. Altogether the County-owned airports encompass 1,750 acres and 30,460 linear feet (5.8 miles) of runway, are home to over 1,500 general aviation aircraft and over 60 privately-owned aviation businesses, and accommodate just over 400,000 aircraft takeoffs and landings each year.

As noted, the County-owned airports serve General Aviation and are part of the Federal government’s National Plan of Integrated Airports System. General Aviation includes all civilian flying exclusive of scheduled passenger airlines and military activity. All of the County-owned airports, with the exception of General William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster, are classified as "reliever" airports as they relive nearby commercial service airports of general aviation aircraft activity, allowing them to better facilitate commercial airline traffic. For more information about general aviation and its numerous benefits to the local and national economy, please click here for the Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association’s What Is General Aviation brochure, or here for the Federal Aviation Administration’s 2012 report on General Aviation Airports: A National Asset.

The County-owned airports are inspected annually and permitted by the California Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics (Caltrans) and largely regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Palmdale airport is owned by the LA World Airports, per 830.15(b) the LAWA owns and operates the Los Angeles International Airport, the Ontario International Airport, the Palmdale Regional Airport, and the Van Nuys Airport. For more info visit https://dpw.lacounty.gov/avi/airports/AboutUs.aspx

The Palm Springs Police Department Airport Bureau provides police services for the Palm Springs Airport. Palm Springs police officers are assigned to patrol the airport exclusively. Their primary roles are to respond to security screening alerts, traffic collisions, traffic control, security patrols and investigating crimes which occur on airport property. The Palm Springs International Airport Covers 954 acres, is located on the east city limit of Palm Springs and serves the Coachella Valley, which has a combined population of over 410,000. The Airport Bureau is primarily responsible for the Screening/Checkpoint area where passengers and their property are checked for any weapons, explosives or any item that is suspicious. The actual searching is conducted by the personnel of the TSA, federal government employees under the umbrella of the Office of Homeland Security. When any suspicious item or passenger is identified, officers are alerted and take appropriate action. Learn more at https://palmspringsairport.com/ ?

The San Diego Police Department provides police services to the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport and the Brown Field Municipal. The Airports Division, part of the City's Real Estate Assets Department, is responsible for operating two general aviation airports, Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport and Brown Field Municipal Airport, within the City of San Diego. General aviation includes all aviation activities except scheduled airline and military flights, although Brown Field Municipal accommodates a sizeable number of military operations. The two airports support a significant portion of the San Diego region's total annual flight operations, and can accommodate a variety of General Aviation aircraft. Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is the busiest general aviation airport in the San Diego region and Brown Field Municipal Airport has the longest available civilian runway in the region. To learn more visit https://www.sandiego.gov/airports/about

The San Francisco Police Airport Bureau provides police services to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO).?The Airport does have a communications center that participates in the POST program, consisting of 35 dispatchers. This bureau oversees 181 employees who work together with several other law enforcement agencies to help protect travelers and employees at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). It provides a full range of basic police services:?assisting travelers, helping enforce local, state, and federal laws and playing a key role in the airport’s capacity to respond to emergencies. The bureau, which was established in 1997, works closely with the San Francisco International Airport Administration, San Mateo Sheriff’s Office, Transportation Security Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, United States Customs and Border Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigations, United States Secret Service, US Federal Air Marshals and other regional local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The San Francisco Police Department -Airport Bureau can be reached at 1-650-821-7111. To learn more visit https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/your-sfpd/explore-department/airport

The San Jose Police Department Airport Division provides police services to the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport. The SJPD Airport Division was formed in 1990 when the SJPD absorbed the former San Jose Airport Security Police. A specialized unit of the police department, the Airport Division is staffed by officers with an average of over twenty years of experience, and training representing virtually every specialty within the SJPD. As well as providing all basic police services, the SJPD Airport Division works with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA,) F. B. I. and other local, state and federal agencies to enforce the Airport Security Plan and ensure compliance with all FAA and TSA security directives, existing regulations, and emergency amendments at For more information, please visit the SJPD Airport Division website at https://www.flysanjose.com/security/san-jose-police-airport-division ?

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department provides police services to the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport. The Charles M Schulz - Sonoma County Airport (STS) is located in the heart of Wine Country, 55 miles north of the Golden Gate. To learn more visit https://www.sonomasheriff.org/

Airport Public Safety and Security (Non-POST agencies)

The Santa Barbara Airport Police/Security department is the law enforcement division of the Airport Department for the City of Santa Barbara, the City department that owns and operates the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport.?Although the Airport Police work closely with the Santa Barbara Police Department, the Santa Barbara Airport Police is a separate entity, primarily due to the Airport Police having specialized training and funding resources. The Santa Barbara Airport police are not a POST participating agency. Airport Law Enforcement Officers are fully empowered sworn peace officers in the State of California under Penal Code Section 830.33(d) whose authority extends to anywhere in the state while engaged in the performance of their official duties.?Airport Law Enforcement Officers' primary duties are to provide general and specialized law enforcement services in support of Federal counter-terrorism directives and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening and security operations. Airport Law Enforcement Officer candidates are sent to the Allan Hancock College Police Academy for initial basic training.?Upon completion of the Basic Police Academy, Airport Law Enforcement Officers are required to complete a comprehensive Field Training Program, additional aviation security specific training as required by California Penal Code Section 832.1 within 90-days of appointment and on-going Perishable Skills Training consistent with POST Regulations throughout their careers. To learn more visit https://www.flysba.santabarbaraca.gov/about/airport-police

The City of Long Beach Airport Security Department provides services to the Long Beach Airport (LGB). The Airport Security Detail is responsible for the safety and security of all those traveling through the Long Beach Airport. They also maintain the integrity of the perimeter of the airport and service all airport tenants. Officers patrol 1,166 acres of airfield and adjacent property that surrounds the airport. For more information call the Long Beach Airport Security Dispatch at (562) 570-2640. To learn more visit https://longbeach.gov/Police/about-the-lbpd/bureaus/Support-Bureau/Airport-Security-Detail/

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

On the morning of September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed in a series of coordinated terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The attacks resulted in the creation of the Transportation Security Administration, designed to prevent similar attacks in the future. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act, passed by the 107th Congress and signed on November 19, 2001, established the TSA. The agency has numerous offices that work very closely with all of the California agencies listed in this article.

For example, the Field Operations Division is responsible for providing direction, leadership and supervision to 20 Federal Air Marshal Service Field Offices, ensuring policy and procedures are carried out as intended and developing, fostering and administering programs. The Flight Operations Division is responsible for the deployment of Federal Air Marshals on aircraft; daily operational incident management; domain awareness; and armed security officer training in direct support of the TSA LE/FAMS mission and Concept of Operations. The Operations Management division is responsible for providing leadership, management and support services to LE/FAMS headquarters, field programs, and employees in the areas of budget and finance, human resources, logistics, staffing, policy coordination and organizational performance measures. To learn more visit https://www.tsa.gov/about

Port Police – 830.33(b) PC

Port police officers obtain their peace officer status from penal code section 830.33(b). Harbor or port police regularly employed and paid in that capacity by a county, city, or district (other than peace officers authorized under Section 830.1) if the primary duty of the peace officer is the enforcement of the law in or about the properties owned, operated, or administered by the harbor or port or when performing necessary duties with respect to patrons, employees, and properties of the harbor or port.

Port Agencies in CA (POST)

The Los Angeles Port Police have 133 officers and 8 dispatchers. The Los Angeles Port Police are a specialized law enforcement agency that operates 24 hours/7 days per week to protect the Port from threats whether by land, sea, air or cyberspace. The port police are comprised of more than 300 sworn officers and civilian personnel, the force’s jurisdiction spans 7,500 acres along 43 miles of waterfront. Port Police capabilities include K-9 units for vessel and container searches; a full-time dive unit for inspecting critical infrastructure; a Cargo Theft Interdiction Program to prevent and investigate cargo theft; a marine unit for conducting high visibility patrols to deter and detect infrastructure threats; a High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area anti-drug task force for targeting drug trafficking activities; and a Sea Marshall Program to inspect all inbound and outbound cruise ships and vessels of interest. To learn more visit https://www.portoflosangeles.org/about/los-angeles-port-police Multi-agency collaboration includes use of comprehensive, integrated threat detection and incident management systems that facilitate real-time communication and sharing of crucial information. The Port’s Threat Detection Center—the first of its kind for any port in the world—uses more than 460 “smart” cameras that provide surveillance of critical Port infrastructure assets around-the-clock. Augmenting these cameras are submerged sensors that detect threats below the water’s surface as well.?Data captured by the Center has proved invaluable not only to the Port’s security and safety mission, but for the many security agencies that have also benefited from the sharing of this information. Port police recruiting video at https://www.portoflosangeles.org/about/employment/join-the-los-angeles-port-police

Los Angeles Port Police officers are responsible for enforcing all the laws and ordinances within the jurisdiction of the Port of Los Angeles, including its commercial operations, docks and marinas, recreational, residential and neighboring areas. Formed in 1989, the Los Angeles Port Police Dive Team has sought after innovative underwater technologies to protect and secure the Port of Los Angeles’ waterways. The Dive Team's primary responsibility is to reduce the risk of underwater threats to the Port’s waterways and infrastructure. The Team’s robust underwater program uses technology, education, training, and agency partnering to promote safety, security, and emergency management. The Dive Team maps the Port’s waterways using sonar equipment, and dives on identified anomalies to determine risk. The Dive Team’s sonar program plays an integral role in the Port’s Reconstruction and Resiliency Plan, which provides a road map for the reconstruction of the Port after a natural disaster, accident, or act of aggression. They also conduct hull searches of high-interest vessels to ensure no hazardous devices or contraband pose a threat to the Port community.

Formerly known as Cargo CATs (Cargo Criminal Apprehension Team), CTIP is a coordinated multi-agency effort responsible for the prevention and investigation of incidents of cargo theft in Southern California. The CTIP partnership includes several major law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels: Los Angeles Port Police, Los Angeles Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Vernon Police Department, California Department of Insurance, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection.?The Los Angeles Port Police Marine Unit provides high visibility patrol throughout the waterways of the Port of Los Angeles to deter and detect critical infrastructure threats. The Unit also conducts vessel escorts for cruise ships, fuel tankers, and barges. Often times, the Marine Unit is the first public safety entity on scene and aids in rescues and towing operations. The Marine Unit enforces local and federal laws that include navigational laws and codes.

The Port of Stockton Police have 16 officers. The Port of Stockton Police Department is a full service, P.O.S.T. Certified Police Agency that provides primary Law Enforcement Services for the Stockton Port District.?Police personnel are responsible for providing service, security and protection for the port, its tenants, employees and surrounding community.?The Port Police provide round the clock patrols for the enforcement of local, state and applicable federal laws, as well as US Department of Homeland Security and US Coast Guard regulations.?The Police Department’s canine units are complemented by the Port’s marine unit and adds to the overall security for the Port of Stockton and the surrounding community. For more info see https://www.portofstockton.com/port-police/

The San Diego Harbor Police (830.1 PC) has 131 officers and 11 dispatchers. The county is fortunate to have the Port of San Diego Harbor Police, which in the case of this agency is responsible for the airport and the port, many other airports and counties bifurcate these functions. The San Diego Harbor PD has 131 officers and 11 dispatchers that participate in the POST program. The security requirements around San Diego harbor include aviation and maritime safety in addition to traditional policing. Officers are ready to respond to any police or fire-related call in San Diego Bay including marinas, anchorages, moorings, shipyards, and cargo and cruise ship terminals.

Officers conduct security escorts for incoming cruise ships and assist the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal partners as needed. Officers are also specially trained to investigate complex vessel accidents on the water, given the difficulty of preserving evidence in a maritime environment. The San Diego Harbor Police operate boats in San Diego Bay, coastal waters, and during smuggling interdict patrols, with rapid movement capabilities ideal for pursuit, interdictions and boarding's. They are responsible for issues relating to vessel impounds, anchorage permits, environmental spills and maritime related crimes. They are trained in search and rescue, vehicle recovery and many other surface and underwater capabilities, the Dive Team can respond to any type of water emergency. The Dive and Rescue team is also trained in the unique skills necessary to conduct underwater crime scene investigations in San Diego Bay. The team handles evidence and body recovery and underwater explosive detection in the depths of the Bay.

All San Diego Harbor Police officers are cross trained as marine firefighters, with ongoing training conducted by the in-house Fire Training Unit. Officers stay proficient throughout the year with a semi-annual fire refresher class on firefighting procedures, so they are ready to combat vessel fires and help get passengers to safety. Firestorm vessels are both police and fire response assets. With twin diesel jet drives, the Firestorms have more maneuverability than any vessel with outboard or inboard engines. They reach speeds of 45 miles per hour and can pump seawater for firefighting operations. The MARTAC unit or Maritime Tactical Team is composed of SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) trained officers, who specialize in waterborne operations. Members train continually for a variety of situations such as armed ship boarding, vessel interdiction, non-compliant vessel boarding's and warrant service. For more about this agency visit https://www.portofsandiego.org/public-safety/harbor-police