Welcome
Welcome to the Charleston County Aviation Authority Police Department. It is my pleasure, along with the women and men of the Police Department, to welcome you to our airport community. The Charleston International Airport is co-located with the Charleston Air Force Base, which is ten miles northwest of the City of Charleston, South Carolina. The International Airport is situated near Interstate Highway I-26 and the Mark Clark Expressway I-526. Six air carriers operate from the Charleston International Airport with approximately 124 flights each day. We hope that you will take an opportunity during your visit to Charleston to explore our great community and its many historic attractions.
The Charleston County Aviation Authority Board established the Charleston County Aviation Authority Police Department in 1990. It was the intention of the board to create a law enforcement agency customized to respond to the unique environment of an airport community and the traveling public. Thirteen police officers and one civilian employee were hired to create the Department in July 1990. The agency developed into a cohesive law enforcement operation with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Airport Authority and the diverse community of 2.5 million travelers who use the International Airport yearly. The Charleston County Aviation Authority Police Department has general law enforcement authority and responsibility within the territory embraced by the County of Charleston. All officers are state certified and empowered to enforce South Carolina State Laws and the Ordinances of the Charleston County Aviation Authority within the geographical boundaries of the Airport District, principally the Charleston International Airport, Charleston Executive Airport, and Mt. Pleasant Regional Airport. The members of the Police Department reflect the diverse community that we serve. Law enforcement services are provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by foot, car, and bicycle. The Department works closely with the Transportation Security Administration and all other Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies to carry out its mission.
In 1999 the Police Department became one of only four airport law enforcement agencies in the United States and Canada to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), Inc. The department was again reaccredited in March 2002, 2005, 2008, and most recently in 2011, when the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., recognized and awarded the agency coveted Flagship status. The men and women of the agency continue to meet the professional standards established by the Commission.
Safety and security, balanced with good customer service, is important to us all, and I hope the information provided through this site will meet your expectations.
Al Britnell
Chief of Police