(A) A port authority created in accordance with section 4582.22 of the Revised Code shall employ and fix the qualifications, duties, and compensation of any employees and enter into contracts for any professional services it may require to conduct the business of the port authority and may appoint an advisory board, which shall serve without compensation. Any employee may be suspended or dismissed, and any contract for professional services may be terminated at any time by the port authority.

(B) A port authority may provide for the administration and enforcement of the laws of the state by employing special police officers, and may seek the assistance of other appropriate law enforcement officers to enforce its rules and maintain order.

(C) Special police officers employed by a port authority shall serve as a police force with respect to the property, grounds, buildings, equipment, and facilities under the control of the port authority, to prevent hijacking of aircraft or watercraft, protect the property of the authority and the property of others located thereon, suppress nuisances and disturbances and breaches of the peace, and enforce laws and the rules of the port authority for the preservation of good order. In performing their duties, special police officers are vested with the same powers of arrest as police officers under section 2935.03 of the Revised Code.

Any person employed as a special police officer by a port authority is a "public employee" as defined in section 145.01 of the Revised Code and is not a "member of a police department" as defined in section 742.01 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000.