CHANTILLY, VA - Eight police officers employed by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) at Dulles International Airport were “separated from employment” at the airport after a joint criminal and administrative investigation, NBC4 Washington reports.
The agency, which employs 225 officers, said in a statement that the criminal and administrative investigations into possible misconduct and MWAA policy violations commenced in August, adding that after the administrative inquiry, “eight officers have been separated from employment.”
“The criminal investigation has been completed and will be referred to the Loudoun County Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for review,” the agency said in a statement.
The MWAA refused to provide further details, citing privacy and legal concerns.
However, NBC-4's “I-Team” has learned from a source with direct knowledge of the investigation that the issue involves allegations of illegal/improper payments from limo or rideshare drivers to officers. It is alleged that those officers allowed drivers into the terminal to solicit rides, which is against airport rules and illegal. As police officers, they are expected to enforce both.
Typically, a passenger either calls a limo service or rideshare, or uses an app to get a ride. If a rideshare app such as Lyft or Uber is not used, “it raises questions about driver identity, ride tracking, rates, and insurance coverage, among other things,” the outlet said.
The MWAA’s statement said that the “Police Department expects its officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” and that “We thoroughly investigate all allegations of misconduct, and violations of law or policy will not be tolerated.” The agency didn’t expand on any details about the officers’ alleged misconduct or how it could have affected passengers.
Law Enforcement Today will follow up as additional information becomes available.
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