The APD was formed as the Airport Police Division on 1 November 1970 when the Singapore Police Force took on responsibility for airport security at Paya Lebar Airport. In 1981, airport operations - and the APD as well - moved to Changi Airport. In April 2000, APD shifted to a new police station to make way for the construction of Terminal 3.[4]
APD works alongside SPF's Protective Security Command (ProCom) to ensure the safety of civilians, and maintain law and order within Singapore Changi Airport.
As of 2024[update], the APD is led by its Commander AC Malathi Muthveran and Deputy Commander DAC Lee Liang Chye.[5]