How to Be Airport POLICE Officer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 18, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Airport Police Officers are responsible for keeping passengers and personnel safe in airports by enforcing the law, maintaining order, and responding to emergencies. They work closely with airport security personnel, airline personnel, and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of everyone in the airport. By performing their duties, airport police officers are able to detect potential criminal activity, prevent terrorism, and provide assistance in emergency situations.

Their presence also serves to deter potential criminal activity and provide a feeling of security to passengers and employees. In addition, they are responsible for providing a safe environment in which guests can enjoy their travels. The presence of airport police officers is an important part of the safety and security of the travelling public, and their presence helps to ensure that airports remain safe and secure.

Steps How to Become

Meet Minimum Requirements. You must meet the minimum requirements of the airport police force you are applying to. This typically includes being at least 21 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, and a valid drivers license.
Obtain Required Certifications. To become an airport police officer, you must obtain certain certifications and training. This may include completing a police academy training program, passing a background check, and becoming certified in first aid, CPR, and other emergency medical services.
Pass Physical Fitness Tests. Airport police officers must be physically fit and able to perform in stressful situations. You will need to pass physical fitness tests such as running, sit-ups, push-ups, and other physical assessments.
Apply for a Job. Once you have met the minimum requirements and obtained the necessary certifications and training, you can apply for a job as an airport police officer.
Complete Training Program. After you have been hired, you will be required to complete a training program. This typically includes classroom instruction, field training, and hands-on experience with various police procedures.
Pass Final Exams. After completing the training program, you must pass final exams covering the material you have learned. This is to ensure that you are capable of performing your duties as an airport police officer.
Get Licensed. Once you have passed all of the exams, you will be issued a license to work as an airport police officer. This license will need to be renewed periodically in order to remain active.

In order to keep updated and efficient as an Airport Police Officer, one must stay informed, stay organized, and stay focused. The importance of staying informed can not be overstated, as new regulations and policies are constantly being created and updated. Staying organized is essential in order to effectively manage the workload and prioritize important tasks.

Finally, staying focused on the task at hand is important, as distractions can lead to errors or missed details that can compromise safety. Having these three strategies in place will ensure an Airport Police Officer is up to date and efficient.

You may want to check Police Evidence Technician, Police Officer, and Security POLICE Officer for alternative.

Job Description

Enforce federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to the airport and its passengers.
Patrol the airport grounds, terminals, and parking areas to detect and deter crime.
Investigate suspicious activities and persons in or around airport grounds.
Respond to emergency situations such as fires, medical issues, and other life-threatening incidents.
Provide assistance to passengers, airport personnel, and visitors.
Direct traffic and provide crowd control in congested areas.
Operate police vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs, and bicycles.
Issue citations for violations of airport regulations.
Prepare detailed reports on incidents and investigations for review and filing with the appropriate agency.
Maintain contact with federal agencies such as the FAA, TSA, and Homeland Security.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Understanding of security processes, procedures, and techniques.
Ability to assess situations quickly and take appropriate action.
Ability to operate security and communications equipment.
Ability to respond quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
Excellent interpersonal skills for interacting with the public.
Ability to work individually or as part of a team.
Ability to maintain composure under pressure.
Physical fitness for standing, walking, and running for long periods of time.

Being an Airport Police Officer is a demanding job that requires excellent communication and problem solving skills. A successful Airport Police Officer must be able to think quickly and remain calm under pressure. Communication skills are important for interacting with the public, other law enforcement personnel, and emergency responders.

Problem solving skills are necessary for determining the best course of action in emergency situations. strong knowledge of the law, attention to detail, and physical endurance are all essential characteristics for a successful Airport Police Officer. These skills combine to help an Officer ensure the safety of the airport's passengers and staff, both on the ground and in the air.

Police Officer Recruit, Police IT Specialist, and Auxiliary POLICE Officer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you handle a situation where a passenger is behaving unruly and endangering the safety of other passengers?
In what ways do you ensure safety and security at an airport?
How would you handle a dispute between two passengers?
What set of skills do you possess that make you a good fit for this position?
Describe a time when you had to diffuse a tense situation.
What kind of experience do you have dealing with emergency situations?
How do you handle difficult or challenging passengers?
What strategies do you use to remain alert and attentive while on duty?
Are there any laws or regulations that you are particularly familiar with that pertain to airport security?
Are you familiar with the latest security protocols and technologies related to airport safety?

Common Tools in Industry

Handheld Radio. A handheld radio is a device used to communicate with other officers and dispatch. (eg: Motorola XTS 5000)
Flashlight. A flashlight used for illuminating dark areas. (eg: LED Tactical Flashlight)
Handcuffs. Used to restrain individuals under arrest. (eg: Smith & Wesson Handcuffs)
Body Armor. Bulletproof vests used to protect officers from harm. (eg: Safariland Level IIIA Body Armor)
Baton. A baton used to subdue individuals who are resisting arrest. (eg: ASP collapsible baton)
Taser. An electronic stun device used to incapacitate individuals. (eg: Taser X2)
Pepper Spray. Chemical irritant used to deter physical confrontation. (eg: Sabre Red Pepper Spray)
Handgun. A firearm used for self-defense and potentially lethal force. (eg: Glock 17)
Radar Gun. A device used to measure the speed of vehicles. (eg: Kustom Pro-1000)
First Aid Kit. A kit containing medical supplies for treating minor injuries. (eg: Adventure Medical Kits Micro First Aid Kit)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Airport and Seaport Police (IAASP)
International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA)
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO)
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA)
National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA)
National Sheriffs' Association (NSA)
Airports Council International North America (ACI-NA)
Airline Security International Organization (ASIO)

We also have Police Community Relations Officer, Police Records Technician, and Police Firearms Instructor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Airport Security. Airport security is a set of policies, regulations, and procedures put in place to protect passengers, staff, and aircraft from unlawful interference or attack.
Law Enforcement. Law enforcement is the collective term for individuals employed by a government to enforce laws, protect property, and maintain public order.
Airport Management. Airport management is a profession which is responsible for the day to day running of airports, including managing operations, staff, and resources.
Aviation Law. Aviation law is the branch of law which deals with the regulation of aircraft, the aviation industry, and air travel.
Airspace Regulation. Airspace regulation is the practice of controlling the use of airspace in order to ensure safety and efficiency in air travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an Airport Police Officer do?

Airport Police Officers are responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and orderly environment for travelers and staff at airports. They provide safety and security services, enforce laws, regulations and airport rules, respond to emergencies, and provide assistance to the public.

What qualifications are required to become an Airport Police Officer?

Generally, applicants must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and have no criminal record. Other qualifications may include completion of specialized training courses, physical fitness tests, and/or certifications in first aid and CPR.