CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -
Documents we've uncovered from the City of Charlotte reveal Charlotte Douglas had far fewer police officers on duty than other airports of the same size.
This information is coming out as Charlotte leaders battle some state representatives over who will control the airport.
Numbers compiled by the City of Charlotte says our airport is the 8th busiest in nation, but the figures we've uncovered demonstrates that it is not a very level playing field.
Last year, more than 41 million passengers came through Charlotte Douglas International, but law enforcement resources were slim compared to other metropolitan areas.
Documents we've obtained from the city say that 42 officers were assigned here, and based on this survey that is the smallest security force in the nation's top 20 airports.
Former FBI Special Agent Chris Swecker says don't be fooled by the small numbers.
"It isn't always about the number of officers you that have. It's about the strategies that you're employing," he said.
The issue of security will likely end up in study that Charlotte City Council is about to write a check for.
The report is expected to cost 150 thousand dollars and will look at who can best run Charlotte Douglas International.
Patrick Cannon is Charlotte's Mayor Pro Tem.
"The issue of security for any airport around the country is some that should always be addressed," Cannon said." So it's my hope that the study process is that's something we should pay some attention to."
Major questions over security came to a head after the death of Delvonte Tisdale.
The North Meck Student stowed away in a wheel well, and was found dead near Boston.
It is believed he snuck through a fence here in Charlotte, and for that reason Swecker feels man power can only go so far.
"Huge area to cover, and you can't cover that a person. You've got have a combination of people cameras, strategy's procedures.
It's a huge huge undertaking," he said.
The average number of officers in places like Atlanta and San Francisco is right at 170, and in recent months CMPD, taking over security from the Airport staff, has added 14 officers bring the total to 66.
Those figures will give council members something to think about as they move forward with the study.
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