Airport Police

The Santa Barbara Airport Police is the law enforcement division of the Airport Department for the City of Santa Barbara, which owns and operates the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. Although the Airport Police work closely with the Santa Barbara Police Department, the Santa Barbara Airport Police is a separate entity, primarily due to specialized training needs and funding resources.

Airport Law Enforcement Officers are fully empowered sworn peace officers in the State of California under Penal Code Section 830.33(d) whose authority extends to anywhere in the state while engaged in the performance of their official duties. Airport Law Enforcement Officers' primary duties are to provide general and specialized law enforcement services in support of Federal counter-terrorism directives and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening and security operations.

Santa Barbara Airport Law Enforcement Officers meet or exceed the minimum selection and training standards set forth by the State of California and the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Airport Law Enforcement Officer candidates are sent to the Allan Hancock College Police Academy for initial basic training. Upon completion of the basic police academy, Airport Law Enforcement Officers are required to complete a comprehensive field training program, additional aviation security-specific training as required by California Penal Code Section 832.1 within 90 days of appointment, and on-going perishable skills training consistent with POST Regulations throughout their careers.

For more information on California peace officer selection and training standards visit the POST website by clicking the following links: