About MSP Airport's Police Department

Since its formation in 1947, the MSP Airport Police Department (APD) has worked to provide and promote a safe and secure environment for all of MSP's users, including an internationally diverse customer base of 39 million annual passengers and 21,000 airport employees. As one of the largest police forces in the state, the APD serves the entire airport campus, including patrolling the highways surrounding the airport, parking ramps, terminal buildings, roadways and curbside areas. They also have mutual aid agreements with other local police departments, and are active in the communities surrounding MSP's campus.

The APD's 129 sworn officers are licensed by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board. All airport police officers also participate in an intensive multi-month training program during their probationary period, both in the classroom and the field, to help ensure their success in the department and the safety of the airport.

Follow the links below or view the video to learn more about the department.

 

 

Police Station Locations

The Airport Police Operations Center is located in the public area of Terminal 1 on the Baggage Claim Level near Door 1. Terminal 2 also has a small police office between the ticketing and baggage claim areas on Level 1.

Emergencies

In an emergency, call 911 from any airport payphone or your cell phone if you are in the terminal area. You may also dial 228 from the Airport Assistance Phones located throughout the terminal or 612-726-5577 from any other phone.

Department History

From its initial force of two officers serving 570,000 passengers, the APD has grown significantly over the last 73 years. Below is a timeline of significant events in the department's history.

1943: Legislation passes to create the Metropolitan Airports Commission (the organization that owns and operates MSP).

1946: MSP's first police officer is hired.

1947: The Airport Police Department is formed.

1953: The department acquires its first squad car.

1954: Capacity increases to five sworn police officers.

1962: Capacity increases to 15 sworn police officers.

1970s: The bomb unit is created, consisting of two technicians and two explosive-sniffing dogs. The initial training took place at the United States Army Missile and Munitions School in Huntsville, Ala.

1971: Civilian dispatchers are hired.

1973: A new federal requirement results in more growth - 37 officers and a fleet of five vehicles.

1974: A detective division is created to handle the investigation of criminal offenses.

1975: Capacity increases to 62 sworn police officers.

1978: A SWAT team is added to the force.

1981: A multi-agency narcotics task force is created to mitigate illegal drug activities. 

1986: A two-person security division is formed to handle security-related federal requirements.

1987: A two-person hostage negotiator team is created.

1988: The Community Service Officer (now known as Traffic Control Officers) program is created to handle vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

1990: Two narcotics detective K-9 teams are added to the department.

2000: The department grows to 65 sworn officers.

2002: Growth continues with capacity of up to 73 sworn police officers.

2007: A department honor guard is formed.

2008: The Airport Watch Program is implemented.

 

Contact the Airport Police Department

  • Emergency
    Dial 9-1-1
  • Non-emergency/File a Police Report
    612-726-5577 
  • Airport Police Administration
    612-726-5115
    Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., M-F
  • Investigations Unit
    612-726-5459
  • Comments/Complaints
    612-726-5115 or apd@mspmac.org
    Download a citizen complaint form to submit to the Airport Police Department.
  • Public Data/Report Requests
    Download an Information Disclosure Request form to request reports or data from the police department. Email completed forms to APDRequest@mspmac.org. Call 612-726-5115 with questions.
  • Employment Opportunities
    Email AirportPDrecruiting@mspmac.org to request information about working for MSP's Airport Police Department.

Our Vision

To be the standard of excellence in aviation policing throughout North America.

Our Mission

With public service as our foundation, every member of the Airport Police Department is committed to the preservation of peace, order and safety.  We are dedicated to the protection of life and property, the prevention of crime and the deterrence of terrorism.

 

Our Values

  • Loyalty
  • Duty
  • Respect
  • Selfless Service
  • Honor
  • Integrity
  • Personal Courage