CMPD chief works to ensure better airport security

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After a rocky transfer of power at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police chief said he is working closer than ever with the airport to ensure better security.

Chief Rodney Monroe said his department and airport officials have been studying this security plan for some time now.

There is no word on when that study will be released, but he said they have already seen tremendous progress.

"I've been very pleased with the progress we've made," Monroe said.

Monroe said it's been a long road since his department took over security at the airport.

"We've seen some tremendous progress as it relates to how the airport should be staffed what are the real public safety functions and what they should be," he said.

CMPD took over security at the airport in December.

That sparked major controversy between the city and former Aviation Director Jerry Orr.

Orr left that position over the summer and interim director Brent Cagle stepped in.

Now CMPD manages the airport security guards but the chief is considering combining sworn officers with those security guards at the airport.

"We've looked at some of the successes of other airports have had around the country and there's been a combination of security," Monroe said.

In August, 14 airport security guards filed a lawsuit against CMPD claiming discrimination.

They said since CMPD took over, they've been paid considerably less than other CMPD officers of comparable rank.

"I've never had a problem with people trying to express what they're views and concerns are but we believe everything will be hashed out with this new plan and new model," Monroe said.

Cagle told Eyewitness News his staff and CMPD have taken major steps to enhance security at the airport.

Cagle plans to make final recommendations on this plan to the City Manager's Office.

WSOC