PHOTO VIA MCO FACEBOOK PAGE
Orlando International Airport is moving forward with plans to create its own independent police department, a big change that would end its long-standing reliance on the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for law-enforcement services.
Airport leaders say the move is driven by the need for more direct control over staffing, specialized training, and long-term costs as MCO continues to grow into one of the busiest airports in the country. According to airport officials, a dedicated MCO Police Department would allow the authority to set its own policing standards, hire officers trained specifically in aviation-security issues, and establish a more predictable budget without depending on contract renewals. When questioned about the specifics of the current contract with OCSO, an MCO representative stated that they do not have the specific data readily available.
The effort comes after years of discussions between airport leadership and county officials, with occasional public tension over staffing levels, overtime costs, and response expectations. Nationally, several large airports have adopted or explored similar models, citing the benefits of having officers who are fully embedded in airport operations rather than assigned through outside agencies, including Tampa International Airport, Jacksonville, and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
If approved, the airport’s new police department would take roughly two to four years to build, including hiring officers, acquiring equipment, establishing a command structure, and securing accreditation. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office would continue providing services during the transition.
