Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 12, 1991 TAG: 9102120465
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
That's the bill for private security guards, overtime for airport police officers and other expenses for stepped-up security because of the threat of hijacking and terrorism.
The cost was even higher during the first two weeks of the war because the airport had to install additional lights, buy identification cards, stickers and other equipment, said Jacqueline Shuck, executive director.
The Federal Aviation Administration has directed Roanoke and other airports to operate at level-four security, the highest stage of precautions.
Only ticketed passengers are allowed into the gate area, curbside baggage check-in has stopped and unattended vehicles cannot be left in front of the terminal.
For security reasons, Shuck won't say how much additional manpower is required or disclose all procedures and details.
But the airport has been required to hire additional personnel to cover all areas and implement the federally mandated procedures.
During the first two weeks after the war began, off-duty Roanoke police officers were hired to supplement the airport's regular security force.
But the airport has switched to private guards because there were concerns about problems in the scheduling of off-duty police officers, Shuck said.
"It worked out well the first two weeks, but we didn't know if it would on a long-term basis," she said.
Shuck said the private personnel are cheaper.
Regulations permit the airport to use private security guards in some areas, Shuck said, so it's not necessary for all personnel to be sworn police officers with powers of arrest. The regulations require that officers with arrest powers be used for the tighter security in certain areas.
Private guards are being used to ensure that unattended vehicles are not left in front of the terminal, but the guards have immediate back-up support from airport officers with arrest powers, Shuck said.
She said the officers are working overtime to make sure the restrictions and procedures are followed.
Airports are required to pay the additional expense for the stepped-up security, but Shuck expects they will ask the FAA to provide funds to help cover the cost.
"It's getting to be pretty expensive across the nation and I wouldn't be surprised if the airports don't ask for funds," she said. "I think a lot depends on how long this continues."
by CNB