Since 1967, as the Sacramento Metropolitan Airport, the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department has provided security to the airport. The airport was renamed Sacramento International Airport in 1996.

In 1998, the Sheriff’s Unit became a Division under the command of a Sheriff’s Captain. The new millennium ushered in many more changes and unfortunately, a national tragedy that changed airport security forever. Thankfully, September 11th did not deter growth at Sacramento International Airport contrary to the national trend. In 2002, the International Arrivals building was added to accommodate international flights.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department provides the airport with law enforcement services around the clock. Deputies respond to law enforcement concerns on or around the airport property and work closely with airport staff, airlines, firefighters, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as other federal and state law enforcement agencies to provide a safe environment at Sacramento International Airport.

As the airport has grown in size and the number of travelers has increased to 10 million per year, the Sheriff’s Department Airport Division has grown to ensure the law enforcement needs of the airport are met. The airport began expansion of the new modern Central Terminal, known as “The Big Build”, in the fall of 2008. The Sheriff’s Department Airport Division will continue to evolve to continually provide a safe and enjoyable environment for the traveling public.