Safety and security are integral to the operation of every airport and seaport managed by the Commonwealth Ports Authority. CPA maintains dedicated public-safety, law-enforcement, emergency-response, and aircraft rescue capabilities to help protect passengers, employees, transportation operators, facilities, and the communities served by its ports.

CPA's safety and security responsibilities involve multiple operational units as well as coordination with local and federal agencies responsible for aviation, maritime, law enforcement, emergency response, and transportation security.

Ports Police

The CPA Ports Police Department provides law-enforcement and public-safety services within CPA's airport and seaport communities.

The department's responsibilities center on the protection of life and property, preservation of peace, prevention and detection of crime, enforcement of applicable laws, and protection of the rights of individuals using CPA facilities. The department's published values are Pride, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence.

Ports Police personnel contribute to:

• Law enforcement within CPA facilities 
• Protection of passengers, employees, visitors, and property 
• Crime prevention and response 
• Traffic and operational-area safety 
• Emergency and incident response 
• Coordination with other law-enforcement and public-safety agencies 

Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF)

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting is a specialized component of airport safety. CPA maintains ARFF capabilities to provide emergency response for aircraft incidents and other emergencies occurring within airport environments.

ARFF functions include:

• Aircraft fire suppression 
• Rescue and emergency response 
• Fire protection 
• Emergency preparedness 
• Specialized aviation firefighting 
• Personnel training and operational readiness 
• Coordination with other emergency-response agencies 

ARFF operations support CPA airport facilities on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

Pacific Region ARFF Training Center

CPA's Pacific Region Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting Training Center (PRATC) on Saipan provides specialized training for firefighters and emergency-response personnel.

The training center serves the CNMI and has provided training to personnel from other jurisdictions throughout the Western Pacific, including Guam, Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Its programs include aircraft rescue and firefighting, structural firefighting, hazardous-materials response, rescue, leadership, and other specialized training.

A Coordinated Approach to Safety

Airport and seaport safety requires coordination among numerous organizations and disciplines. Depending on the facility and type of operation, CPA works alongside other government and transportation-security entities to support safe and secure movement through the Commonwealth's ports.

CPA's overall approach encompasses:

• Law enforcement and security 
• Fire and rescue services 
• Emergency preparedness and response 
• Operational safety 
• Facility and infrastructure safety 
• Training and readiness 
• Interagency coordination 
• Compliance with applicable aviation and maritime safety requirements 

Through its Ports Police, ARFF personnel, PRATC, operational staff, and partner agencies, CPA works to maintain an environment where the Commonwealth's airports and seaports can operate safely, securely, and reliably.