The American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) is composed of rank-and-file airport police officers (including many dual police/aircraft rescue firefighters) who stand as the first line of defense against terrorist attacks, hijackings and other criminal activity at our nation’s airports.
AAAPO Denounces Weekend Violence and Terror
The American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) denounces the weekend of violence and terror which saw the shooting of two police officers in West Philadelphia on Friday night that claimed the life of a bystander and wounded five others; a stabbing spree at a Minnesota mall on Saturday which injured nine; as well as an explosion near a Marine Corps charity race in Seaside Heights, New Jersey and an explosion in New York City which injured 29 people and led to the discovery of a second bomb in the City, also on Saturday; which was followed by three pipe bombs and two smaller explosive
devices found in Elizabeth, New Jersey on Sunday night. AAAPO sends our condolences to the victims and those injured in these senseless acts.
TSA Management Fails Again — TSA Canine Bomb Teams
The American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) has long questioned the effectiveness of TSA canine teams at airports. While the general public and many public policy makers would not understand the difference between TSA managed canine teams and law enforcement canine teams, the distinction in training, function, productivity and ultimately effectiveness is stark.
Fortification of Screening Checkpoints Needed
Los Angeles, CA – The American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) has long warned that the TSA screening checkpoint is the most sensitive and vulnerable area at an airport, as it is the main chokepoint in the airport and is designed to be the last barricade to detect and stop threats from reaching airplanes. This concern was reinforced during the recent “false alarms” at LAX and JFK airports.
Airport Police Nationwide Remember 9/11
With the 15th anniversary of 9/11 upon us this weekend, the American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) would like to take a moment and remember all who were lost that fateful day. We promise to continue to advance proposals that will fortify security at our nation’s airports and to ensure the safety of the traveling public, all airport employees, as well as our own officers.
300 Foot Rule Will Increase Airport Security and Deter Attackers
Due to increased attacks targeting airports, the American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) is asking U.S. lawmakers to support legislation, HR 5720—The Checkpoint Safety Act of 2016, that would require an armed police officer within 300 feet of TSA screening checkpoints at major airports. We are calling on Congress to support legislation that will secure American airports.
LAX Incident: Could Terrorist Be Testing Our Airports?
Over the weekend at LAX airport we saw another incident that reinforces the American Alliance of Airport Police Officers’ (AAAPO) concerns about unguarded TSA checkpoints. It is important to note that during these incidents, passengers ran through security checkpoints without being cleared. Furthermore, passengers who had already gone through clearance were running out of the airport onto the tarmac which gave them direct access to planes. Many left luggage that could have explosives in it unattended.
Increased Access to Airport Security Cameras Is Important To Keeping Travelers Safe
In view of a recent string of airport security incidents, the American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) is again calling for unfettered access to closed circuit security systems and imploring the TSA to coordinate a unified stream of video feeds at airports nationwide. We have repeatedly pressed the government and lawmakers to pass legislation that keep American airports safe and free from preventable incidents and tragedies.
Airport Perimeters Are Far Too Vulnerable
Airport perimeters continue to be vulnerable access points at our nation’s airports and the American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) repeats its previous calls for tougher perimeter security to include mobile patrols by airport police officers, in addition to security measures already in place.
False Alarm at JFK Airport Reinforces Need for Enhanced Security Measures
The American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) is relieved that the events that unfolded at JFK Airport on Sunday, August 14th appear to be no more than a false alarm; however, they highlight, once again, that airports continue to be vulnerable to attack. Terrorists and those seeking to cause maximum damage and harm have repeatedly proven this, and the AAAPO reiterates its calls for reasonable measures to be taken in order to protect the traveling public.