Jacksonville Airport Starts Random Searches of Vehicles

July 2, 2007
Vehicles approaching arrivals and departures areas will be randomly screened

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Aviation Authority Police Department and the Transportation Security Administration in Jacksonville announced on Sunday plans to begin random searches of vehicles arriving at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX).

In addition, airport police will be increasing their presence in and around the terminal building.

While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not raised the national threat level following Saturday’s attack on Glasgow Airport in Scotland, JAA police officials decided to boost security measures at JAX as an added precaution.

“We believe protecting the traveling public is one of our top priorities and these random vehicle searches are a prudent way to secure the airport,” said Michael Stewart, JAA’s director of external affairs. “We hope air travelers and those who pick them up or drop them off at JAX understand the need for this added security measure. We ask for everyone’s cooperation and patience.”

The random vehicle searches began on the evening of July 1 and were expected to continue for an indefinite period.

JAA police officers will randomly select vehicles dropping off passengers on the departure level and picking them on the arrival level.

As a result of the new security measure and anticipated higher travel volumes during the July 4th holiday, JAA officials suggest travelers arrive at the airport at least one and one-half hours before scheduled departure.