Department of Public Safety

BNA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) prioritizes rapid response to aircraft emergencies with its specialized Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) equipment. Unlike standard fire trucks, ARFF vehicles boast significantly larger water tanks, eliminating dependence on external water sources — a critical factor in ensuring a swift and effective response during time-sensitive aircraft emergencies.

BNA’s DPS prioritizes operational safety through robust communication protocols between its ARFF personnel and the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower, ensuring seamless coordination of ARFF unit movements while operating on an active airfield.

BNA’s Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) safeguards the airport community through comprehensive investigations. Their focus encompasses a broad spectrum of criminal activity, including fraud, property crimes, and drug trafficking. Additionally, the CID investigates any crime where the airport is used to facilitate or further criminal activity.

To ensure comprehensive security, the CID fosters a robust network of collaborations with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. These partnerships include the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Secret Service (USSS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and many other local, state, and federal partners.

Furthermore, the CID boasts two highly trained K-9 narcotics detection teams, bolstering their capacity to identify and interdict illegal substances.

The SWAT Team specializes in resolving high-risk incidents, ensuring the safety of the airport community. Their expertise includes:

• V.I.P. Protections
• Hostage Situations
• Area Containment
• Other unusual situations (large-scale arrest, barricaded subjects, etc.)

Upon request from an on-duty commander, they deploy from designated locations to provide highly specialized support to uniformed officers at the scene. Their response is tailored to the severity of the situation, and they can seamlessly integrate with other specialized units for a unified response. This collaborative approach may involve teams such as:

• Crisis Negotiators
• Hazardous Devices Team
• Hazardous Materials Unit
• Other Federal, State, and Local Agencies

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has established a specialized Crisis Negotiation Team. This elite group, comprised of highly trained officers, is prepared to de-escalate critical situations and ensure peaceful resolutions. Their expertise extends beyond the department, providing critical intervention for other law enforcement agencies and external partners in a wide range of crisis scenarios, including:

• Hostage Situations
• Mentally Ill Persons
• Suicidal Persons
• Intelligence Gathering
• Other Unusual Occurrences (Combative Prisoners, etc.)

BNA prioritizes passenger and asset safety through a team of highly trained explosives experts. These professionals possess the expertise to identify and safely dispose of explosive threats, ensuring a secure environment for all airport users.

BNA leverages the expertise of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) K-9 program. These specially trained canine units undergo a rigorous 12-week program at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. The curriculum emphasizes handler-dog bonding, socialization, and the development of keen scent detection skills.

Upon deployment at BNA, these K-9 teams play a critical role in safeguarding the airport through comprehensive explosive detection operations. Their expertise encompasses vehicles, cargo, buildings, aircraft, and baggage, ensuring a secure environment for all.

BNA’s HAZMAT team serves as a critical line of defense against hazardous material threats. They are equipped to handle any such incident occurring on airport property, and their expertise extends to supporting mutual aid departments in the broader community.

Their expertise is not limited to the airport. BNA’s HAZMAT team is also certified to respond to off-airport aircraft incidents upon request, bolstering regional safety through mutual aid. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, these state-and-nationally certified professionals are prepared to effectively manage hazardous material emergencies up to a Level 3 incident.

BNA’s Water Rescue Team prioritizes advanced aquatic skills. Each member maintains their proficiency through annual requalification with the International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists (IADRS) Watermanship Test. They hold a comprehensive range of responsibilities, including:

• Maintaining the water rescue equipment of the department
• Providing water awareness courses for newly hired personnel
• Being prepared for mutual aid response
• Developing strategies for water rescue operations

BNA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) leverages Bicycle Patrol Units to optimize security coverage within the terminal complex and public parking areas. This approach enhances patrol efficiency compared to traditional vehicles, allowing officers to navigate critical areas with greater agility and responsiveness. Officers selected for this program possess exceptional customer service skills, fostering a welcoming environment for passengers.

Bike Patrol officers are trained by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), which is certified through the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA).

Equipped to handle medical emergencies, one-third of the BNA’s officers are certified EMTs, providing advanced medical care to airport personnel and travelers. These officers carry a comprehensive suite of EMS equipment, including public-access Automated External Defibrillators (AED) and intravenous therapy tools.

The Training Division oversees the Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) entire training spectrum, encompassing new recruit programs and ongoing professional development for our police officers and firefighters. Dedicated training coordinators ensure each discipline receives specialized instruction.

Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) proudly maintains a distinguished Honor Guard unit. These highly trained officers meticulously execute ceremonial flag presentations for occasions of national and local significance, upholding a time-honored tradition.

Their dignified presence fosters a profound sense of respect and solemnity during events like the annual September 11th observance and tributes to fallen first responders, and other occasions.