Associated Press
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Police will take over security at the Colorado Springs Airport by the end of April, relieving National Guard soldiers.
“It should be a seamless transition,” said David Bird, assistant director of aviation at the airport.
Police will stay on duty until federal agents are trained and ready around the end of the year.
Officers will monitor safety checkpoints for suspicious behavior and be ready for any problems.
About 30 Guard members have provided airport security since October, deployed by the federal government after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The Guard requested the soldiers be relieved by May 31 so they can do their annual two-week summer training.
The city will assign three full-time police officers to take their place. Fewer officers will be present than the Guard had on duty, but Bird said the airport will meet federal rules requiring one officer for every six security checkpoints.
Police will be reimbursed by the federal Transportation Security Administration until the federal agents are in place.
About 190 soldiers have patrolled airports throughout the state for seven months.