Airport Detail

Palm Springs Regional Airport was FAA certified as an International airport in November, 1998. The Palm Springs Police Department assumed responsibility for security and all matters pertaining to law enforcement, as mandated by FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) rules and regulations, in January, 1999. Currently, there are a number of officers assigned to patrol the airport exclusively. Their primary roles are to respond to security screening alerts, traffic accidents, traffic control, security patrols, and investigating crimes which occur on airport property. In addition to the assigned officers, all sworn personnel have been trained or will be trained to FAA standards in case of emergencies.

Thanks to generous donations from our community and increased security, the Police Department's Airport Division utilizes two explosives detection dogs. The dogs and their handlers are permanently assigned to the airport, but can be used on a callout basis for many different assignments.

The Palm Springs International Airport Covers 917 acres, is located on the east city limit of Palm Springs and is centrally located in the main valley that it services. Over 500,000 residents in the Coachella and Imperial Valleys and the High Desert communities can utilize the services at Palm Springs International Airport.

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, America West Express, Continental Airlines (seasonal), Delta Airlines, Horizon Airlines, Northwest Airlines (seasonal), Sun Country, United Express are some of the air carriers stationed at Palm Springs International Airport. Approximately 640,000 passenger enplanements were recorded during fiscal year July 1, 2001, through June 30, 2002. There are also over one hundred private aircraft based at the airport. The Palm Springs International Airport facilitated 98,000 total operations involving aircraft during the above year. MillionAir and Signature Aviation serviced those aircraft and hundreds more that arrived and departed during the above year.

Avis, Hertz, National, Budget and Dollar Rent-A-Car are located in the airport terminal as well as "Eagle Rider", where you can rent a Harley Davidson motorcycle right from the airport terminal!

The Palm Springs Police Airport Detail, known as LEO (Law Enforcement Officer) under FAA regulations, are primarily responsible for the Screening/Checkpoint area where passengers and their bags and property are checked for any weapons, explosives and/or devices, and any item that is suspicious. The actual searching is conducted by the personnel of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), federal government employees under the umbrella of the Office of Homeland Security. When any suspicious item or passenger is identified, we are alerted and take appropriate action. We patrol the airport terminal, the loading ramps, waiting areas, airport perimeter, adjoining parking facilities and airport property. We respond to medical emergencies on the aircrafts and in the airport, assist airport operation personnel, and take police action when necessary. We investigate any criminal activity occurring at the Palm Springs International Airport and work closely with airline investigators, FAA and other law enforcement.

Since Palm Springs is a Resort Port, we coordinate and assist the FBI, Secret Service, CIA, Capitol Police, various state police agencies and foreign agents with their VIP's and State Department security and escorts. Most importantly, we strive to achieve an atmosphere of respect and trust with all the personnel at the Palm Springs International Airport through personal contact and interaction. As professionals, we impart the Palm Springs Police Department Mission Statement to all personnel and customers and make that part of our primary objective. Last, and definitely not least, we assist airport operations personnel with kindergarten, grammar school and other group tours of the airport. We envision other programs in the future that will enhance our continued commitment to Community Policing.

Click here to learn more about the Palm Springs International Airport