ROA Switches to Private Police Department

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport Commission is holding a swearing in ceremony for the officers of the Airport’s Department of Public Safety. By legislative action in 2015 the airport’s law enforcement department was designated as a private police department and efforts have been underway to finalize the transition from a law enforcement agency, which required staff to be designated as Special Conservators of the Peace, to a private police department that has sworn certified police officers.

The Honorable Charles Dorsey, Chief Justice of the Roanoke City Circuit Court, will administer the Oath of Office, which validates and authorizes officers to carry out their duties as sworn police officers with the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport Commission.

The airport has established a Public Safety Department which brings the airport police and fire-rescue services under one department. As the program moves forward, Public Safety Officers will be hired and cross trained to perform duties as police officers and firefighters.

“Having officers trained in law enforcement, fire suppression and EMS further enhances our ability to provide the best level of safety, security and emergency response for our passengers, staff and visitors,” said Airport Executive Director Tim Bradshaw, A.A.E.