Aviation Security Operational Command Unit

The Aviation Security Operational Command Unit of the Metropolitan Police provides policing and security for both Heathrow and London City airports. London's other airports, Gatwick and Stansted, are policed by the Sussex Police and the Essex Police respectively, as they are not actually located in the Greater London area or the Metropolitan Police District.

History

Policing at Heathrow was initially undertaken by the Civil Aviation Authority. In 1965, the responsibility was taken over by the British Airports Authority Constabulary, which subsequently passed to the Metropolitan Police on 1 November 1974 as a consequence of the Policing of Airports Act 1974.

Policing of London City Airport has always been undertaken by the Metropolian Police, with Aviation Security acquiring the remit from local officers during 2004.