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Applicable To: Sworn and communications Employees |
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Approval Authority: Major Darryl K. Tolleson |
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Signature: Signed by DKT |
Date Signed: 6/6/08 |
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| Table of Contents | [ Return to Top ] | ||
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.8.3 Law Enforcement Officers traveling on an aircraft. 4.8.4 Federal Flight Deck Officers (FFDO)
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The purpose of this Section Command Memorandum is to establish general guidelines for a rapid response to a checkpoint when requested by TSA and how officers will conduct themselves while assigned to a checkpoint area.
It is the policy of the Atlanta Police Department Airport Section to assist the traveling public through the airport in a safe and expedient manner.
3.1 Police supervisors will insure that this Section Command Memorandum is strictly adhered to.
3.2 The LEO assigned to a rapid response assignment will respond to a checkpoint within 5 minutes when called for assistance from the TSA. If the responding officer cannot make the 5 minute response to the location, then the closest LEO to the area will respond to ensure that the 5 minute maximum response time is met.
3.3 It is the responsibility of the communications dispatcher to notify an on duty police supervisor of all requests for assistance from TSA that involve a rapid response.
4.1.1 There are four checkpoint areas located within Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. They are identified as: Domestic or Main, E-Concourse or International, T- North Checkpoint and T – South Checkpoint (Scheduled to Open June 2008).
4.1.2 The Domestic or Main checkpoint will have an officer assigned 24/7. At no time will the Domestic or Main Checkpoint LEO leave the checkpoint without being relieved by another LEO unless otherwise stated in this Section Command Memorandum.
4.1.3 It is the responsibility of the LEO assigned to a checkpoint to keep the LEO desk area clean and orderly
4.1.4 The commander of the Police Airport Section or his designee, when deemed necessary for public safety, may close a checkpoint.
4.2 The LEO assigned to a rapid response assignment will respond to a checkpoint within 5 minutes when called for assistance from the TSA. These calls for assistance could be to handle a weapon found or security breach or to determine if the credential and badge presented by an armed federal, state, or local LEO appear to be issued by the appropriate organization, including the review of an FFDO credential, without badge, when presented at the screening checkpoint or any other request for assistance.
4.3.1 The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will observe the public and be on the alert for acts or potential acts of criminal activity in and around the checkpoint area.
4.3.2 The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will respond to calls for assistance from TSA personnel.
4.3.3 The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will make arrests on violations of federal, state laws and city ordinances.
4.3.4 The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will not participate in the searching of articles or luggage. When requested to do so by TSA personnel, the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will stand by and observe while TSA personnel search articles. If a weapon is found, the LEO will immediately take charge of the weapon. While the luggage or article is being searched, the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will observe the owner of the property for safety reasons.
4.3.5 The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will respond to alarms received from any of the X-ray machines on the Checkpoint.
4.3.6 The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will follow TSA Rules and Regulations for the screening area.
4.3.7 The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will not read books, newspapers, magazines, or any type of reading material, with exception of written materials necessary for the performance of his or her duties at the checkpoint.
4.3.8 The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will not consume meals at the checkpoint. However, drinks are allowed but care must be taken not to spill liquids into electronic equipment.
4.4 Alarms and Requests for Assistance
4.4.1 When an alarm is activated or a request for assistance is received by a Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO, he or she will notify police communications of the alarm or request for assistance and the checkpoint location. The LEO should advise police communications of the X-ray machine number on which the alarm is activated or assistance is requested. The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will then respond to the machine to determine the reason for the alarm or request for assistance.
4.4.2 Upon receiving an alarm call or having the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO pull out, the communications dispatcher will dispatch the closest officer. If possible, the communications person will advise the responding officer of the location in the checkpoint area of the call. The communications person will then notify an on-duty police supervisor of the alarm or the request for assistance. The watch supervisor will acknowledge the request for assistance and ensure the officer adheres to the 5 minute response.
4.4.3 The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will advise police communications as soon as possible of the reason for the alarm or request for assistance, for example, signal 29, 69, or 73, etc.
4.4.4 (OFFICERS WILL NOT USE THEIR RADIO OR CELL PHONE IF THE POSSIBILITY OF A BOMB EXISTS, DUE TO POSSIBLE DETONATION).
4.4.5 The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will use the telephone for notification purposes in instances of signal 73's; otherwise the radio is appropriate. The responding officer and the communications officer should keep the possibility of a bomb in mind, when they do not receive further communications from the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO.
4.4.6 Bombs and Bomb Threats at a checkpoint will be handled in accordance with APD.SOP.3182, “Bomb Threats.”
4.5 When weapons are brought into the checkpoint and are brought to the LEO's attention, the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will notify radio and take charge of the weapon. In all instances when a weapon is brought into a checkpoint area and it is brought to the LEO's attention, the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will complete a "TSA Passenger Screening Information Form" a copy of which is attached. See the definition of a weapon in section 5.14.
4.5.1 If the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO determines the weapon is a violation of a city or state law and probable cause exists to arrest, the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will escort the suspect and weapon back to the Checkpoint LEO’s desk to await relief.
4.5.2 When the relief officer arrives, the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will then escort the suspect to the Police Precinct to complete the proper police reports and the arrest ticket. This is to include the "TSA Passenger Screening Information Form."
4.5.3 DO NOT UNLOAD WEAPONS AT THE CHECKPOINT UNLESS CIRCUMSTANCES DICTATE THE WEAPON BE IMMEDIATELY UNLOADED. Whenever a weapon is to be unloaded, the LEO will move away from all persons and will keep the weapon’s muzzle pointed away from all persons and from objects which might cause a discharged projectile to ricochet. If the checkpoint LEO or rapid response LEO is not familiar with the weapon’s operation and how to unload it, he or she will maintain the weapon in a safe manner and request a police supervisor.
4.5.4 When a person who was armed gives the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO reason to believe that he/she is violent or may attempt escape, the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will obtain a backup officer before escorting the individual to the precinct.
4.5.5 When the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO deems that an arrest will not be made, the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO must still complete a "TSA Passenger Screening Information Form." Turn this form in to the airport police administrative office for filing and send a copy to the TSA Office.
4.5.6 Where a violation has occurred and the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO deems an arrest will not be made, he or she must obtain the approval of a supervisor before releasing the individual.
4.6 In all incidents where assistance is requested from the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO and it is a violation of the law, TSA Regulation, or the incident falls into any area of airport security, the officer will complete the "TSA Passenger Screening Information Form."
4.7 It is the responsibility of the LEO assigned to a checkpoint to respond when summoned to determine if the credential and badge presented by an armed federal, state, or local LEO, appear to be issued by the appropriate agency, including the review of an FFDO credential, without badge, when presented at the screening checkpoint.
4. 7.1 If the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO determines that the credential and badge do not appear to be issued by the appropriate agency, then the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will not allow the individual access to the checkpoint and will immediately call for a police supervisor to respond to the checkpoint.
4.7.2 A Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will not allow armed LEO’s to bypass the screening function. Once the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO determines the credential and badge appear to be issued by the appropriate agency, he or she will inform the TSA checkpoint security supervisor/screener-in-charge of the determination. TSA checkpoint security supervisor/screener-in-charge or its representative may permit an armed LEO to proceed into the sterile area.
4.8 The following procedures will be adhered to when a Law Enforcement Officer or FFDO approaches any screening area to bypass the screening process.
4.8.1 Law Enforcement Officers in uniform or in plain clothes, who possess an ATL Badge and their agency identification.
1. TSA personnel will check the LEO’s identification and ATL Badge and upon verification, immediately allow the LEO unescorted access to the sterile area.
2. The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will not have to respond unless TSA personnel request assistance.
4.8.2 Law Enforcement Officers in uniform or in plain clothes who are armed and not traveling on a flight and who do not possess an ATL Badge.
1. The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will meet the officer(s) or agent(s) at the entrance to the screening area, verify that the officers or agents are on OFFICAL BUISNESS and verify that the credentials appear to be issued by the appropriate agency.
2. The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will inform the TSA checkpoint security supervisor/screener-in-charge.
3. The TSA checkpoint security supervisor/screener-in-charge will complete the “Law Enforcement Officers Identification Log" and permit the armed individual access into the sterile area.
4.8.3 Law Enforcement Officers traveling on an aircraft.
1. The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will meet the officer(s) or agent(s) at the entrance to the screening area, check the officer’s or agent’s credentials to verify that the credentials appear to be issued by the appropriate agency.
2. The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will inform the TSA checkpoint security supervisor/screener-in-charge.
3. The TSA checkpoint security supervisor/screener-in-charge will complete the “Law Enforcement Officers Identification Log" and permit the armed individual access into the sterile area.
4.8.4 Federal Flight Deck Officers (FFDO)
1. The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will meet the pilot at the entrance to the screening area and check the FFDO’s TSA credential and aircraft operator identification to verify that the credentials appear to be issued by the appropriate agency.
2. The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will inform the TSA checkpoint security supervisor/screener-in-charge.
3. The TSA checkpoint security supervisor/screener-in-charge will complete the “Law Enforcement Officers Identification Log" and permit the armed individual access into the sterile area.
1. The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will meet Federal Air Marshals at the entrance to the screening area and check the Federal Air Marshal’s credentials to verify that the credentials appear to be issued by the appropriate agency.
2. The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will inform the TSA checkpoint security supervisor/screener-in-charge of the determination.
3. The checking of Federal Air Marshals will be done as discretely as possible.
4.8.6 When the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO has any question as to the authenticity of a LEO’s credentials or ATL badge, unescorted assess into the checkpoint area will not be allowed. The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will call for an on-duty police supervisor to respond to the screening area and attempt to validate the credentials. Only an on-duty police supervisor and/or the issuing agency may make verification of credentials. The Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will make note of who made this verification. Verification of FFDO credentials may be obtained by contacting the TSA, Federal Air Marshal Service, Mission Operations Control Center, at 1-866-883-8533 (24 Hours).
4.9 Whenever the West Crossover alarm is activated, the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will proceed to the AGT (Automated Guided Train) ticketing station. Once there the officer will observe the elevator, trains, and mezzanine escalator for the subject who breached security at the West Crossover.
4.9.1 The LEO assigned to the West Crossover will ensure that no unauthorized person enters the AGT from the West Crossover area.
4.9.2 In the event of a suspect running through the West Crossover Area and into the AGT area, the LEO will immediately activate the code orange alarm system, notify communications, give a lookout, and pursue the suspect.
4.10 In the event of a suspect running through the screening area to avoid the screening process, the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will immediately activate the code orange alarm system, notify communications, give a lookout, and pursue the suspect.
4.11 Whenever a help call, signal 63, is given on the East Crossover, the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will respond. On any help call, signal 63, anywhere else in the airport the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO will request permission to depart the checkpoint from the on-duty police supervisor.
5.1 AGT (Automated Guide Transit): The underground tunnel system that connects the terminal and concourses. It includes the north/south train tubes, moving sidewalks and pedestrian walkways.
5.2 ATL Badge: Photo identification issued by the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
5.3 Checkpoint LEO OR Rapid Response LEO: (law enforcement officer) A police officer assigned to a checkpoint.
5.4 DOMESTIC OR MAIN CHECKPOINT (SCREENING AREA): The domestic screening area located in the center, east side, of the east crossover in the terminal.
5.5 E-CONCOURSE OR INTERNATIONAL CHECKPOINT (SCREENING AREA): The International Screening Area is located on E-concourse at the baggage re-check area.
5.6 FEDERAL FLIGHT DECK OFFICER (FFDO): A pilot who is deputized in accordance with 49 U.S.C. Section 44921(d), as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer and may transport an issued or approved firearm in an issued lockbox as necessary to participated in the program.
5.7 LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IDENTIFICATION LOG: A three-ring binder supplied and maintained by TSA. Within this binder are pages that the Checkpoint LEO or Rapid Response LEO records armed law enforcement officers, without an ATL identification badge, who bypass the screening function.
5.8 LEO: Law enforcement officer, certified by a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency.
5.9 MEALS: sandwiches, hamburgers, food in containers, etc.
5.10 MEZZANINE CHECKPOINT: The Mezzanine Checkpoint is located one level above the AGT Baggage Station.
5.11 T-CONCOURSE CHECKPOINT (SCREENING AREA): The T-concourse screening area is located on T-concourse at the east end of the North Terminal.
5.12 TSA: Transportation Security Administration
5.13 TSA PASSENGER SCREENING INFORMATION FORM: a form approved by the TSA to record pertinent information on individuals who unlawfully enter the checkpoint area armed.
5.14 WEAPON: Any of the following items:
5.14.1 Firearms: Any weapon from which a shot may be fired by the force of an explosion including starter pistols, compressed air or BB guns, and flare pistols.
5.14.2 Knives: Including sabers, swords, hunting knives, souvenir knives, martial arts devices, and such other knives with a blade 3 inches long or longer.
5.14.4 Bludgeons: Blackjacks, billy clubs, or similar instruments.
5.14.5 Explosives/Ammunition/Flammable Liquids: Any explosive incendiary components which by themselves or in conjunction with other items can result in an explosion or fire. These include explosive materials, blasting caps, fireworks, gasoline, other flammable liquids, ammunition, etc., or any combination of these items generally referred to as a "bomb".
5.14.6 Disabling or Incapacitation Items: All tear gas, mace, and similar chemicals and gases whether in pistol, canister, or other container, and other disabling devices such as electronic stunning/shocking devices.
5.14.7 Other Articles: Such items as ice picks, straight razors, and elongated scissors, even though not commonly thought of as a deadly or dangerous weapon, but could be used as a weapon, including toy or "dummy" weapons or grenades.
5.15 WEST CROSSOVER CHECKPOINT: The area located at the top of the elevator/escalator that leads from the AGT Baggage Claim Station. This area is not a screening area.
5.16 WEST CROSSOVER ALARM: The button located in the box mounted on the wall next to the elevators that is activated by the LEO or TSA at the west crossover whenever anyone breaches security by entering the AGT from the West Bridge.
5.17 X-RAY MACHINE NUMBER: A number affixed to each X-Ray machine located at the domestic checkpoint.
AS.CM.08.04, “Passenger Screening Support.”
Aviation Security Directive SD 1542 |
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