Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) prioritizes rapid response to aircraft emergencies through its specialized Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) capabilities. Unlike standard fire trucks, ARFF vehicles carry substantially larger water tanks, allowing them to operate independently of external water sources—a critical advantage during time‑sensitive aircraft emergencies.

DPS also reinforces operational safety through robust communication protocols between ARFF personnel and the FAA’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower, ensuring clear coordination and safe movement of ARFF units across an active airfield.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses Bicycle Patrol Units to enhance security coverage throughout the terminal complex and public parking areas. These units provide greater agility and responsiveness than traditional patrol vehicles, allowing officers to navigate crowded or high‑traffic spaces more efficiently.

Officers selected for the program demonstrate strong customer service skills, helping create a welcoming and supportive environment for passengers.

Bike Patrol officers receive training from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), which is certified through the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA).

The Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) safeguards the airport community through comprehensive investigative work. The division addresses a wide range of criminal activity, including fraud, property crimes and drug trafficking, and investigates any offense in which the airport is used to facilitate or further criminal conduct.

To support these efforts, CID maintains strong partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including:

• Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD)
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• U.S. Secret Service (USSS)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• and other local, state and federal partners

The division also deploys two highly trained K‑9 narcotics detection teams, enhancing its ability to identify and interdict illegal substances within the airport environment.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains a specialized Crisis Negotiation Team composed of highly trained officers prepared to de‑escalate critical situations and support peaceful resolutions.

The team’s expertise extends beyond the airport, providing crisis intervention assistance to other law enforcement agencies and partner organizations in a variety of scenarios, including:

• Hostage situations
• Incidents involving mentally ill persons
• Suicidal persons
• Intelligence gathering
• Other unusual occurrences, such as combative prisoners

BNA® prioritizes passenger and asset safety through a team of highly trained explosives specialists. These professionals play a critical role in maintaining a secure airport environment by identifying, assessing and safely mitigating explosive threats.

Their expertise encompasses advanced detection techniques, threat evaluation, scene containment and the safe disposal of hazardous devices. Working closely with local, state and federal partners, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) supports both preventative measures and emergency response operations, ensuring the airport remains prepared for any explosives‑related incident.

Through continuous training, certification and real‑world readiness exercises, BNA’s explosives experts help safeguard travelers, employees and critical airport infrastructure.

The Department of Public Safety’s HAZMAT team serves as a critical line of defense against hazardous materials on airport property.

The team is fully equipped and trained to manage any hazardous incident at BNA®, and its certified specialists also support mutual‑aid partners throughout the region.

Their capabilities extend beyond the airport. Upon request, DPS’s HAZMAT team is certified to respond to off‑airport aircraft incidents, strengthening regional emergency response.

Using advanced technology and meeting both state and national certification standards, the team is prepared to effectively manage hazardous material emergencies up to a Level 3 incident.

Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) proudly maintains a distinguished Honor Guard unit, composed of highly trained officers who carry out ceremonial flag presentations for events of national and local significance. The unit upholds a respected tradition of precision, professionalism and service.

Their presence brings dignity and solemnity to ceremonies including the annual Sept. 11 observance, tributes to fallen first responders and other occasions that call for honor and remembrance.

The Department of Public Safety relies on the Transportation Security Administration’s K-9 program for specialized support. These canine teams complete a rigorous 12‑week training program at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where the curriculum focuses on handler‑dog bonding, socialization and advanced scent‑detection skills.

Once deployed at BNA®, the K‑9 teams play a vital role in airport security through comprehensive explosive‑detection operations. Their capabilities extend to screening vehicles, cargo, buildings, aircraft and baggage, helping ensure a safe environment for all travelers and employees.

The Department of Public Safety is equipped to respond to medical emergencies around the clock. Every Department of Public Safety officer is trained and state‑certified as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), ensuring all personnel can perform critical, lifesaving measures when needed. In addition, one‑third of the department’s sworn officers hold advanced certification as emergency medical technicians (EMTs), providing a higher level of medical care to travelers and airport employees.

DPS officers carry a full suite of EMS equipment, including public‑access automated external defibrillators and intravenous therapy tools, allowing them to respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies across the airport campus.

The department also includes trained crisis negotiators who assist in situations involving mental or behavioral health concerns. All DPS officers receive annual mental‑health‑related training as part of state Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) requirements, ensuring they are prepared to respond with professionalism and care.

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 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.

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