The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) has announced the transition of Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) law enforcement duties to the newly formed SRAA Police Department.
At 12:01 am this morning, Monday, March 6th; SRAA Police Officers began their patrol of the airport property as the primary law enforcement agency at SYR.
“As our airport grows to support the region, this transition to an in-house police department will allow the SRAA flexibility in scheduling work shifts and increased control over staffing levels,” said SRAA executive director Jason Terreri. “Officers working regularly at the airport will have a greater familiarity with the airport environment, further enhancing security.”
Last year, state lawmakers passed legislation authorising the creation of an authority police department with its own uniformed police officers. The airport police jurisdiction consists of all property under the control of the SRAA and has been certified by the State of New York.
The City of Syracuse Police Department (SPD) has provided law enforcement services to the airport for most of the airport’s existence. Starting in 2012, a combination of off-duty SPD officers and private security firms has provided security services under an agreement with the City of Syracuse.
The SRAA Police Department will be staffed by two full time employees – Chief Mark Werbeck and Captain Anthony Sobiech – and 19 part-time officers. The creation of the SRAA Police Department marks the first time in decades a new officially recognised law enforcement agency has been created in New York State.
Image: Syracuse Hancock International Airport
