To Serve and Protect the Port of Seattle Police at 50

The Port of Seattle Police Department 1972-2022

The Port of Seattle Police Department was formed in 1972 as the Sea-Tac Airport Municipal Police Department. By year end the department employed 35 officers and four non-commissioned staff. In 1973, the FAA mandated armed guards at the checkpoints. An additional 35 provisional officers were hired. In 1973, the department also formed a waterfront division to address theft of cargo. A Port resolution, in 1974, expanded the powers of the police department to include all properties owned by the Port. The department name changed to the Port of Seattle Police Department at that time. This was the beginning of the department and many changes that would occur over the next 50 years. 

In 1972 the airport averaged a total of 14,000 passengers a day. In 2022, the airport averaged over 50,000 daily screened passengers. The department capabilities grew and now include explosive detection K9, a regional Bomb Detection Unit, Dive Team, Marine Patrol, Traffic Support Specialists, Investigations, participation on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Regional SWAT, Civil Disturbance Unit, and Hostage Negotiations, and its own Fire and Police Dispatch Center. The Services Bureau provides all the support functions for our uniformed personnel. Today the department is authorized 130 officers and another 47 non-commissioned staff. 
The department has seen many changes over the last half century, and we can be sure to see many more during the next half century. The one constant that that will not bend is the character and quality of the law enforcement professionals of the Port of Seattle Police Department. The core values of the department lay the foundation to adapt and overcome the challenges of tomorrow. From it flows the courage and compassion that is ever needed to be a police officer. It is these qualities that will build and sustain the critical community trust.  

For those who have served over the last half century the Port is thankful for your paving the way and for your faithful service and sacrifices made. To current department members, the years to come offer such great opportunity to serve and to keep millions of travelers and community members safe, honorably with courage and compassion.