Public work goes private at Chicago Rockford International Airport (KRFD) to save money

ROCKFORD — When Chicago Rockford International Airport outsourced on-field fire protection services last week to a Wisconsin firm, it was the airport’s second outsourcing maneuver in as many months at the city’s expense.

Airport commissioners inked a contract with Metro Enforcement this summer to augment security provided by federal Transportation Security Administration personnel. The job was previously done by off-duty Rockford police officers who were paid overtime wages.

Rockford-based Metro Enforcement has provided security in the main terminal since July 1. The airport, per TSA rules, must have a law enforcement-trained officer in the terminal before the arrival and after the departure of domestic and international flights to supplement TSA security.

“This is just one more thing Metro Enforcement has the ability to do to free up Rockford police,” Director Larry Hodges said.

The TSA reimbursed the city for the off-duty officers’ overtime, but those reimbursement checks have been dwindling. Last year, TSA reimbursements amounted to $22,000, which left the Rockford Police Department on the hook for a $150,000 overtime tab.

“They need an officer on duty two hours before (take off) on domestic flights and three hours before international flights,” Lt. Pat Hoey said. “There were some days when we had officers on a 16-hour day.”

The department’s overtime budget has risen three consecutive years: from $2.5 million in 2010 to $2.7 million in 2011 to $2.9 million in 2012. Under orders from City Hall to trim overtime expenses, Hoey said, it tried to workout a new agreement with the airport.

“We told them we’re not going to put an officer out there on overtime,” he said. “We would patrol the airport with the officers that we had on duty.”

Airport officials declined that offer. This week, they also declined to discuss the Metro Enforcement contract with the Register Star. Administrators instead referred all questions to its public relations firm, PR Etc.

Rockford police still patrol the airport, publicist Kimberly Rosby explained. Airport officials simply outsourced supplemental security services.

“This is not a reflection on (the police) services,” she said.

Last week, the airport board hired Pro-Tech Fire Services of Green Bay for aircraft rescue and firefighting services previously provided by the Rockford Fire Department.

Metro Enforcement, a 41-year-old private security firm formerly known as Merchants Police, provides an array of services including corporate, industrial and retail security; tactical armed officers for Rockford Housing Authority properties; and security for special events, such as Rockford AirFest and the now-defunct On the Waterfront.

The switch is expected to save the airport $575,000 a year. The airport will pay $601,000 to Pro-Tech; the city was charging $1.2 million.

Original Article: http://www.rrstar.com