Police: Increase officers at Charlotte airport

In the last two months, the airport has had 50 reported incidents of larceny. When Charlotte Douglas was in charge of airport police, there were 18 incidents of larceny reported a year ago and 13 incidents two years ago during the same time period.

Deputy Chief Kerr Putney's four-page memo -- which was partially redacted for security reasons -- outlined some of the changes CMPD made since December:

--CMPD has partnered with an airline to reduce thefts once flights arrive at the gate. The report said that contract workers were stealing items left behind on planes.

The airline, whose name was blacked out in the memo, has donated two iPads and one iPhone for crime stings, according to the memo.

US Airways, which operates 90 percent of the flights at Charlotte Douglas, said in a statement that the airline's security team has worked closely with airport police. That includes coordinating with police to recover items passengers leave behind. "There have been a few instances where an item was stolen, but these occasional occurrences do not constitute a pervasive theft problem," spokeswoman Michelle Mohr wrote.

--CMPD said it is working to combat thefts since an employee was arrested for theft at a security screening lane.

The police blacked out which agency they are working with. However, a TSA screener was fired after being charged with stealing $36 from a passenger's suitcase on New Year's Day.

--The department also hopes to get access to the airport's camera security systems, run by the airport and different federal agencies. "This video integration could greatly enhance security," according to the memo.

CMPD declined to comment on the memo or its new strategy at the airport.

An airport employee, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak publicly, told the Observer he had seen more officers patrolling parking lots and the terminal since the switch to CMPD.

Tisdale prompted review

Security became an issue at Charlotte Douglas after the November 2010 death of a North Mecklenburg High student, Delvonte Tisdale. Law enforcement believes Tisdale breached airport security and climbed inside the wheel well of a US Airways jet bound for Boston.

Tisdale's body was found near Boston Logan airport, in the approach path for planes.

After Tisdale's death, Walton asked CMPD to investigate airport security. The report said that Charlotte Douglas needed more security and improved perimeter fencing.

Earlier this month, Mayor Anthony Foxx and the Charlotte City Council wrote a letter to Mecklenburg's legislative delegation, asking them to study the implications of switching Charlotte Douglas to an authority.

In the letter, they said one way the city had effectively managed the airport was improving security. It said a two-year review "revealed deficiencies severe enough to warrant turning over policing at the airport to Chief Monroe and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department."

Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which is run by an authority, has its own police force that reports to airport officials, said airport spokeswoman Mindy Hamlin. Piedmont Triad International Airport, also run by an authority, has its own police force as well.

Bill on fast track

Two Matthews Republicans, Rucho and State Rep. William Brawley, are leading the push to shift control of Charlotte Douglas to an authority.

Rucho's bill is on a fast track. It passed the Senate Rules Committee this week, and will now go to the Finance Committee, which Rucho chairs. If passed it would then go to the full Senate. If the legislature approves it, the bill does not need Gov. Pat McCrory's signature to become law.

Rucho has said that the airport should be run by a full-time authority. He said the business community supports the authority and that some are concerned the city is becoming too involved in the airport's day-to-day operations.

Harrison: 704-358-5160

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