Airports Authority Names Joseph Kluh as New Police Chief

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has selected longtime department veteran Joseph Kluh as its next chief of police following what officials described as an extensive nationwide search.

Kluh, a 28-year veteran of the Airports Authority Police Department, will officially assume the role May 17. He joined the department in 1997 as a police officer and steadily advanced through the agency’s leadership ranks over nearly three decades.

During his tenure, Kluh held command assignments at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and the Airports Authority headquarters, in addition to overseeing the agency’s 911 call center. Authorities said he has led a wide range of police operations, including patrol, special operations, criminal investigations, training and executive command functions.

Kluh earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland and a master’s degree from University of Virginia.

“Chief Kluh has shown an unyielding commitment to setting strategic direction and leading culture change. He consistently upholds professionalism, accountability, integrity and public trust in high-stakes environments,” Airports Authority Vice President for Public Safety Bryan Norwood said. “I am confident he will lead our people and our department successfully into this next chapter.”

The Airports Authority Police Department includes more than 230 personnel responsible for policing Reagan National, Dulles International Airport and the Dulles Toll Road. The department is accredited by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission and participates in regional mutual aid agreements across the National Capital Region.

“It has been the privilege of my career to serve the traveling public at Reagan National and Dulles International airports,” Kluh said. “Having spent my entire public safety career with this department, I am deeply honored to become the first police chief appointed from within our ranks. I look forward to leading this outstanding team as we continue our commitment to safety, service and public trust.”