DPD Briefs Safety Committee On Love Field Security
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Love Field security and Dallas Police are already discussing ways to continue to secure passengers in advance of the 2014 completion date of a new terminal.
Security was on City Hall's mind Monday as city officials look to the airport's future expansion: Some estimates anticipate an additional four million travelers to frequent the airport by 2015.
But first, the good news: "Violent crimes are rare," said Deputy Police Chief Brian Harvey, who addressed the council's Public Safety Committee Monday.
In fact, he said there was only one assault and one reported robbery, which police say actually originated off airport property but ended there.
"We don't really anticipate any increase in security for the new terminal," Airport Director Mark Dueber said.
He added that the new terminal's compact design will make it easier to secure. Additional roadways around the runways will allow police better perimeter access, they say.
But they'll need it for the expected crush of people. Last year nearly 7.9 million people passed through the terminal. By 2015, it will be nearly 11.8 million and by 2025, experts expect 16 million.
It'll be a challenge, but Dueber says the airport is up for it.
"With the new design of the terminal we should have plenty of screening areas to get passengers through," he said.
Passengers seem excited, too. Pattie Deline told us, "The terminal expansion is great and I really like the fact that sooner or later I can go to Florida and that's where my parents live."
What she's talking about is the imminent lifting of the Wright Amendment. Passed in 1960 but repealed in 2006, airlines out of Love can go to only a few nearby states directly or nonstop.
The repeal stipulates that will end in 2014. Most at Love welcome that development.
"I think it's going to make it a more competitive market where consumers like us can get equal flights," said Rick Shahan.
Emma Turner adds, "I think it's great it gives people more diversity in an option to fly."
