AFP to ramp up police patrols at all major airports this festive season
Police patrols will be ramping up across all major Australian airports – including Adelaide – in a bid to crack down on abusive passengers.
SA News
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More than 500 Australian Federal Police members will be conducting high visibility patrols during the December and January period across all designated airports in an aim to stamp out unruly behaviour, intoxication and prohibited items.
Of those members, a number of national police dogs who are trained to detect cash, weapons, firearms, explosives and technology will be deployed to assist in searching bags to ensure air travel is not used for criminality.
“Bad behaviour whether it be on the ground or in the air can cause delays to flights, involve people being banned from the airlines and can also involve criminal charges,” AFP inspector Dan Finley said.
“The AFP has a zero tolerance to bad behaviour while either in the airport or in the air.”
Mr Finley said the AFP encourages people to plan ahead, to be prepared and be polite while travelling through the airport.
“The AFP also reminds people that if they see any suspicious behaviour at airports, to report it to the AFP’s airport watch – see it, hear it, report it,” Mr Finely said.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Alison Wegg said 179 alleged offenders had been charged with 248 offences at nine designated airports across the country during the current financial year.
“We are seeing an increased frustration by passengers at airports. Some of that is due to bad behaviour from intoxication, passengers who are not being patient or tolerant, and some is attributable to some travellers who are stressed because they are running late or ill-prepared,” Assistant Commissioner Wegg said.
“While holidays can be exciting, they can also be stressful.
“Bad behaviour can let down the ones we love, including families and children. So this festive season – be prepared, patient and polite at airports.”
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