LAAPOA Calls for a Chief of Police With Integrity, Dedication and Respect
In the wake of Los Angeles World Airports’ (LAWA) announcement that they intend to appoint Chief of Airport Police David L. Maggard Jr. as the Deputy Executive Director for Law Enforcement and Homeland Security, effective August 5, LAAPOA has reflected on its standards and values in desired leadership. LAAPOA has voiced its concerns over Maggard’s […]
The Perils of Rushing to Judgment
In the aftermath of an officer-involved shooting or other high-stakes law enforcement encounter, emotions are heightened for all concerned — the police who took necessary action to stop a threat to themselves or others, bystanders who witnessed a distressing event, family members who may be shocked or grieving, and the community grappling with the repercussions […]
Extending a Lifeline of Support
On July 29, President Donald Trump signed the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund legislation into law, extending a financial lifeline to the thousands of police officers and firefighters suffering from illnesses related to the September 11 terrorist attacks. This was a great day for America, and particularly for first responders. Action on the bill followed months of […]
LAAPOA Opposes Promotion of Maggard to Deputy Executive Director
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) announced last week that after a nearly three-month nationwide search, Chief of Airport Police David L. Maggard has been named Deputy Executive Director for Law Enforcement and Homeland Security, effective August 5. Maggard, who is promoting to fill the position vacated by the retirement of Patrick M. Gannon in May, […]
Police Inaction Does More Harm Than Good
Last month, Broward County, Florida, Deputy Scot Peterson was charged for his response — or lack thereof — to the February 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 students and teachers and injured 17 more. He faces 11 felony counts, including child neglect, culpable negligence and perjury charges. Despite being formally charged over a year after the incident, the school resource officer has been ridiculed ever since the days following the incident, even gaining the nickname of the “Coward of Broward,” for his failure to act.
Checkpoint Security: A Growing Threat
On Tuesday, June 18, 2019, several TSA agents were injured at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport when a man attempted to rush through the security checkpoint. Phoenix police and airport security were able to subdue the man, 19-year-old Tyrese Garner, and arrest him. He now faces charges of felony criminal trespassing, felony resisting arrest and five […]
How to Keep a Cool Head and Stay Safe as Summer Travel Heats Up
An unprecedented number of travelers are ready to take to the skies this summer. U.S. airlines expect 257.4 million people to fly between June 1 and August 31, a 3.4% increase from last summer’s record of 248.8 million. Even before the season officially began, TSA set a new record for airline passengers and crew members […]
Marijuana Trafficking Arrests Are Soaring at LAX
Advocates for cannabis decriminalization commonly argue that it will free up policing resources to focus on other, more serious offenses. But just over a year into California’s experiment with legalized marijuana, it appears that some cannabis-related crime has only increased, creating new challenges for law enforcement. Last month, the New York Times detailed how the […]
Police Week 2019
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. This symbolic act would set into motion a tradition, bringing together tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the globe to honor those who pay […]
Charting a New Path Forward
The battle over police use of force has taken a surprising turn. SB 230 and AB 392 — the state’s two competing use-of-force measures — are rivals no more. Lawmakers recently decided to link the two bills in an attempt to reach a compromise and bring law enforcement organizations and civil liberties advocates back to […]
A Time to Honor Service and Sacrifice
Ever since 1962, when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week, the month of May has been a time when our law enforcement family throughout the U.S. joins together with our communities to remember all the officers killed […]