Enhancing Safety and Security at Northern Virginia Airports and Associated Metro Stations

This research project is a collaboration between George Mason University’s (GMU) Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy (CEBCP) and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department (MWAAPD). The CEBCP will use an evidence-based policing approach to analyze the nature of crime and disorder problems at entry points to the Dulles International and Reagan National Airports (specifically their subway stations) and evaluate how those points of entry can be best secured while at the same time improving customer satisfaction and confidence when using these transportation hubs. The CEBCP will evaluate crime prevention interventions at these locales using rigorous social science methodologies and will engage with the MWAAPD to provide crime prevention insights and recommendations based on their evaluation. This research project will provide a critical service to public safety at Dulles International and Reagan National airports (both located in Northern Virginia) and speaks directly to the goal of the Byrne Grants program of improving the functioning of the criminal justice system and assisting victims of crime.