Columbus Airport (CSG) prioritizes the safety and security of every traveler and visitor. The Columbus Airport Public Safety Department is dedicated to ensuring a secure and efficient airport environment. This comprehensive guide outlines the key aspects of public safety at Columbus Airport, providing essential information for passengers and employees alike.
The Public Safety Department at Columbus Airport is staffed by sworn peace officers and firefighters. These professionals are committed to protecting and serving everyone within the airport and its surrounding communities. Their primary goal is to deliver high-quality law enforcement and fire rescue services, ensuring safe air travel and enhancing the overall quality of life for those connected to the airport.
For non-emergency assistance from the Law Enforcement Office (L.E.O.), you can find them conveniently located on the first floor of the terminal, just outside the security checkpoint at the main entrance. For immediate help or to report any concerns, you can call them directly at (706) 393-8183 or ask any airport employee for assistance.
In case of any emergency at Columbus Airport, always dial 911 immediately.
Understanding procedures during a vehicle stop by a Public Safety Officer is crucial for ensuring a smooth and safe interaction. Here’s what you should do if you are stopped within the airport grounds:
- Stay Calm and Safe: Remain calm, reduce your speed, and pull over to a safe location away from the main roadway.
- Vehicle Position: Do not get out of your vehicle unless specifically asked to do so by the officer. This is a standard safety precaution.
- Hand Visibility: Keep your hands clearly visible on the steering wheel at all times so the officer can see them.
- Inform Officer of Weapons: If you have any weapons in your vehicle, inform the officer about it and their location. Do not reach for or point towards the weapon.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Refrain from making any sudden movements, especially towards the floorboard, back seat, or passenger side of the vehicle.
- License, Insurance, and Registration: Be prepared to show your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration when requested. Remember that Georgia law requires you to have these documents with you while driving.
- Communicate Document Location: If your documents are not within easy reach, tell the officer where they are before you move to retrieve them.
- Passenger Cooperation: If you have passengers in your vehicle, advise them to remain quiet and cooperate with the officer’s instructions. As the driver, you are responsible for the vehicle and its occupants.
- Remain Polite: Avoid arguing with the officer. If you believe you have been wrongly stopped, you will have the opportunity to address the issue in court.
- Answer Truthfully: Answer all questions from the officer truthfully and directly.
- Citations: The officer may issue a traffic citation. If you are unclear about the reason for the ticket, politely ask the officer for clarification.
- Signing Citations: If asked to sign a citation, do so. This is not an admission of guilt but simply acknowledgement of receiving the citation. Refusal to sign could lead to arrest.
- Vehicle Searches: You have the right to politely refuse a vehicle search request from a police officer. However, if the officer has probable cause, they have the legal right to search your vehicle without your consent.
Columbus Airport also manages a comprehensive badge processing system to ensure the security of restricted areas. Badge processing services are available by appointment only and are located in the Administration offices on the 2nd floor of the terminal.
To access the Badge Processing office, enter the airport via the Main Entrance and proceed towards the security checkpoint. You’ll find a set of double glass doors to the left of the checkpoint. Go through these doors and take the elevator to the 2nd floor. Turn left down the hallway, and the Public Safety doors will be on your right. It’s important to handle your airport badges with care, as employees and tenants are responsible for the replacement costs of damaged or lost badges.
To schedule a badge processing appointment, please call (706) 324-2449 Ext. 1417.
The Administrative Office for Public Safety operates from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Specific services like New/Renewal Badge Processing, Fingerprinting, Fingerprinting Disposition Review, Vehicle Access Permits & Decals, and Interactive Employee Training (IET) are available by appointment only, Monday to Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with IET concluding at 3:00 p.m.
Fees for Badge Services:
- New/Renewal Badge: $40.00
- Lost/Stolen Badge: $75.00
- Fingerprinting: $50.00
Interactive Employee Training (IET) Courses:
- Security Awareness (SIDA) Training
- Drivers Training
- Authorized Signatory (AS) Refresher Training (renewals only)
Holiday Closures: Please note that the Public Safety Administrative offices are closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day & The Day After, and Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.
For individuals needing badges for Airport Operations Area (AOA), General Aviation, or Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) access, there are specific procedures to follow:
- Security Threat Assessment (STA) Clearance: All badge applicants must successfully complete a Security Threat Assessment (STA) before a badge can be issued.
- Badge Application Form: Applicants, including those seeking renewals, must submit a completed Access Control Badge Application Form to the Airport Public Safety Office. This form must be signed by a designated signatory representative who verifies the employee’s personal information before submission.
- SIDA Badge Requirements: SIDA badge applicants are required to undergo a fingerprint Criminal History Record Check (CHRC), Security Threat Assessment (STA), and Security Awareness Training (SIDA), unless exempted by TSA policy.
- Acceptable Forms of Identification: Applicants must provide approved forms of identification. Acceptable options include:
- Driver’s License/ID & Social Security Card
- Driver’s License/ID & Birth Certificate
- Driver’s License/ID & Passport
Columbus Airport provides necessary security forms and resources to guide employees through the security clearance process. These forms outline the steps required for security clearance. It is important to print, download, and complete these forms as instructed by your employer, but do not sign them until you are in the office with proper identification. Completed forms should be returned to the Public Safety Office on the second floor of the Main Terminal.
Available Security Forms:
- SIDA Security Identification Display Area Badge Application
- SIDA Security Identification Display Area Badge Applicant Rules, Policies and Responsibilities
- General Aviation Badge Application
- General Aviation Badge Applicant Rules, Polices and Responsibilities
Signatories play a vital role in the airport’s security framework. A signatory is a company representative responsible for maintaining records of their company’s badge holders. The Airport Badge Office provides mandatory Signatory Training annually. Authorized Signatories are required to complete both initial and annual recurrent training to maintain their authorization and ensure their company’s badges remain active. Failure to comply with training requirements will result in removal of signatory authorization and deactivation of associated company badges. Training dates and times are communicated via email.
By understanding and adhering to these public safety guidelines and procedures, travelers and employees contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment at Columbus Airport.
