Atlanta Airport Police: How Security and Law Enforcement Work at Hartsfield-Jackson

If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you’ve probably seen officers in uniform and wondered who exactly is in charge of safety there. “Atlanta Airport Police” most often refers to the Atlanta Police Department Airport Precinct, the unit responsible for law enforcement at ATL.

This guide explains who they are, what they do, how to contact them, and what Atlanta travelers and residents should know about police and security at the airport.

Who Is “Atlanta Airport Police”?

At Hartsfield–Jackson, day-to-day policing is handled by the:

Atlanta Police Department (APD) – Airport Precinct
(Usually referred to simply as Atlanta Airport Police)

These officers are sworn Atlanta Police officers assigned specifically to the airport. They work in close coordination with:

• TSA (Transportation Security Administration) – handles passenger and baggage screening
• Federal agencies – like the FBI or DHS when needed
• Airport operations and security staff – employed by the airport itself
• Other local agencies – such as Clayton County law enforcement in certain nearby areas

So when you see uniformed officers patrolling terminals, responding to incidents, or directing traffic at ATL, those are typically APD Airport Precinct officers.

Where the Airport Police Operate at ATL

Atlanta Airport Police are responsible for the entire Hartsfield–Jackson airport campus, including:

• Domestic and international terminals
• Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, F
• Security checkpoints and public gate areas
• Roadways and curbside pickup/drop-off lanes
• Parking decks and economy lots
• MARTA station area inside the airport
• Baggage claim and ticketing halls

They are not responsible for police calls in the rest of the city—that falls to other APD zones or local jurisdictions—but they do coordinate with them if an incident begins or ends at the airport.

What Atlanta Airport Police Actually Do

1. Patrol and Visible Security

You’ll see airport officers:

• Walking through terminals and concourses
• Monitoring baggage claim and ticketing areas
• Driving in marked patrol vehicles around roads and parking
• Standing near security checkpoints and high-traffic areas

This visible presence is meant to deter crime, respond quickly, and give passengers someone to contact if there’s an issue.

2. Responding to Crimes and Emergencies

Atlanta Airport Police handle most law-enforcement issues that happen on airport property, such as:

• Theft of luggage or personal items
• Disorderly conduct, fights, or disturbances
• Suspicious packages or vehicles (in coordination with bomb squads and federal partners)
• Assaults, threats, or harassment
• Lost children or vulnerable travelers needing assistance
• Vehicle accidents within the airport roadways and parking areas
• Trespassing in secure or restricted areas

In life-threatening emergencies, officers often work side-by-side with Atlanta Fire Rescue and airport medical teams.

3. Traffic and Curb Management

If you’ve ever driven to ATL, you know how busy it can be. Airport police are heavily involved in:

• Enforcing no-parking and no-standing zones at the curb
• Managing rideshare, taxi, and shuttle loading areas
• Responding to fender-benders or more serious crashes
• Directing traffic during peak travel times or major delays

Ignoring directions from officers at the curb can lead to tickets or towing, so it’s worth paying close attention.

4. Security and Coordination With TSA

While TSA runs the screening checkpoints, Atlanta Airport Police:

• Respond to weapons or prohibited items discovered at security
• Handle unruly or aggressive passengers at checkpoints
• Assist with evacuations or partial closures if there’s a major security concern
• Help manage crowd flow during long lines or disruptions

If a security screening issue becomes a criminal matter, it’s usually APD Airport Precinct that takes the lead on the law-enforcement side.

5. Lost & Found and Property Issues

The airport has a separate Lost and Found system, but airport police may get involved if:

• Lost items are part of a theft or suspected theft
• Items left unattended are treated as suspicious
• Found property appears to be evidence or linked to a crime

For simple lost items like bags or phones, you’ll typically deal with the airport’s Lost and Found office or the specific airline, not the police, unless there’s a safety or criminal concern.

How to Contact Atlanta Airport Police

If you’re in or near the airport and need law enforcement assistance, you have a few options.

1. For Emergencies

• Call 911 from anywhere in or around the airport.
  Dispatchers will route the call to the appropriate airport or local unit.

If you’re inside the terminal, you can also:

• Use an airport courtesy phone (often located near gates and main walkways) to request emergency help.
• Tell any airport worker (gate agent, TSA officer, airline staff) you need police; they can contact the Airport Precinct directly.

2. For Non-Emergency Issues at ATL

Common non-emergency situations include:

• Reporting a stolen bag after the fact
• Asking about a police report number for an insurance claim
• Reporting suspicious activity that is not immediately dangerous
• Following up about an incident you were involved in at the airport

To handle these, travelers typically:

• Call Atlanta Police Department non-emergency line (for general APD contact)
• Visit the Airport Precinct office if directed by staff when on-site

Because specific phone numbers can change, it’s wise to:

• Look for the “Police” or “Public Safety” information on the airport’s official website, or
• Ask any airport information desk for the current non-emergency contact.

Where Is the Airport Police Precinct Located?

The APD Airport Precinct is housed on airport property at Hartsfield–Jackson. Travelers usually don’t need to go there directly unless:

• You’re asked to come in to sign a report
• You’re picking up or discussing evidence or property with police
• You’re following up in-person about a serious incident

If you’re already in the terminal, the easiest way to reach them is:

• Ask at an information desk where the nearest police or public safety office is.
• Follow posted signs that say “Police,” “Public Safety,” or “Security” if available.

For mailed correspondence or official request forms, it is generally safer to use:

Atlanta Police Department – Airport Precinct
c/o Atlanta Police Department Headquarters
226 Peachtree Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

Then confirm with APD or the airport if materials need to be redirected to a specific unit at ATL.

When to Call Airport Police vs. Other Contacts

Travelers and residents sometimes aren’t sure who to call. Here’s a simple reference:

What Atlanta Travelers Should Know About Airport Police Rules

1. Weapons and Firearms

Georgia law has specific rules about firearms and weapons, and airports have their own additional restrictions:

• Firearms must be properly declared to your airline if traveling with checked baggage.
• Carrying weapons through the TSA security checkpoint can lead to seizure, fines, or arrest, depending on the situation and intent.
• If TSA discovers a weapon, Atlanta Airport Police respond and determine next steps.

If you’re a Georgia resident used to carrying legally, it’s essential to review current TSA and airline policies before heading to ATL.

2. Unruly Passenger and Disorderly Conduct

Airports are high-security, highly regulated spaces. Airport police often respond to:

• Arguments that escalate into shouting, threats, or physical contact
• Passengers who refuse instructions from airline staff, TSA, or officers
• Disruptive behavior linked to intoxication or substance use

Situations that might lead to a warning elsewhere in Atlanta can result in removal from a flight, denial of boarding, or arrest at the airport.

3. Parking and Standing at the Curb

To keep traffic moving and maintain safety:

• The passenger pickup and drop-off curb is not for long-term standing.
• Officers can issue tickets or have vehicles towed if they block lanes or ignore instructions.
• If you’re waiting on someone, using cell phone lots, parking decks, or short-term parking is usually safer and less stressful.

If You Need a Police Report From an Airport Incident

If you were involved in or witnessed an incident at ATL and need a police report (for insurance, work, or legal reasons), expect to:

1. Make the initial report

   • On-site with airport police at the time of the incident, or
   • Later, by contacting APD (and specifying it occurred at the airport).

2. Wait for the report to be filed

   • The report will typically be entered into APD’s report system, but it may be tagged under the Airport Precinct.

3. Request a copy

   • Through APD’s central records unit or online request system, using the case number if you have it.
   • If you don’t have a number, provide date, time, airline, and location (e.g., “Domestic Terminal South baggage claim”).

You can use the general contact information for APD or ask specifically how to request Airport Precinct reports when you call.

How Atlanta Airport Police Work With the Community

Even though the airport is a unique environment, the Airport Precinct is part of the broader Atlanta Police Department, so you’ll see some of the same approaches:

• Community-oriented policing: Officers often answer questions, assist lost travelers, and help visitors navigate the airport.
• Support for vulnerable travelers: Assistance for older adults, people with disabilities, and those traveling with children or language barriers.
• Special events and high-traffic times: Increased presence during holidays, major conventions, or local Atlanta events that drive extra air traffic.

If you live in the Atlanta area and frequently use ATL, recognizing that these officers are APD officers with a specialized assignment can make it easier to understand how they operate and whom you’re dealing with.

Key Takeaways for Anyone Using Atlanta’s Airport

Atlanta Airport Police:

• Are Atlanta Police Department officers assigned to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Handle law enforcement, crime response, and security support on airport property.
• Work closely with TSA, airlines, airport staff, and federal agencies.
• Can be reached via 911 in emergencies and through APD non-emergency channels or airport contacts for other issues.
• Enforce rules about weapons, behavior, traffic, and access that are often stricter than in non-airport settings.

If you’re flying into, out of, or through Atlanta, knowing how airport policing works at ATL can help you move through the airport more confidently and know exactly what to do—and who to call—if something goes wrong.