The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is potentially gearing up for a big change at Orlando International Airport by considering the creation of its own police force, a move that could see security responsibilities transferring from the Orlando Police Department to an internal squad within the next decade.
Angela Starke from Orlando International Airport highlighted the growing needs due to expansion, suggesting the change is due in part to the addition of terminals, "As the airport has grown, we have found it necessary to look at how do we cover Terminal C, which opened a few years ago, as well as Terminals A and B," she stated, as WFTV detailed.
In a move that emphasizes specialization and self-reliance, the authority is mulling over a phased four-year transition to build this force; though it's still early days, the stakes are high as the airport plays a pivotal role in the fabric of the city's transportation infrastructure and as such, a spokesperson for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority elaborated on their current status with the OPD saying, "For years, OPD has served MCO with professionalism, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to public safety," and this internal development would carry on that legacy while adapting to the growing complexities of airport operations, as reported by WFTV.
Local leaders and stakeholders appear to be approaching the subject with a sense of caution and deliberation. During proceedings, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, with his background as a former Orlando police chief, stressed the importance of ensuring that any potential standalone airport police force would be able to seamlessly coordinate with other law enforcement agencies in emergencies, FOX35 Orlando reported.
While some travelers hold mixed feelings about the potential shift, comforted somewhat by assurances of continued visibility and effectiveness in security measures, the airport authority remains focused on the operational equivalence of costs between the proposed in-house department and the current policing agreements.
