Drones and Shutdown Disruptions Threaten Airport Security
With another drone scare bringing a major airport to a standstill and the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history impacting critical operations, 2019 has been off to a rough start for aviation security. On January 22, air-traffic controllers suspended flights at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey after two passenger planes reported unmanned […]
Guns at Airports? There Ought to Be a Law!
Every new year ushers in new laws, and 2019 is no different. Unfortunately, a couple of laws taking effect this year are results of the tough legislative session law enforcement faced in 2018. One such measure that began January 1, Senate Bill 1421, now makes public the police records involving investigations of officer-involved shootings, sexual […]
Wrapping Up Another Busy Year
Events at LAX, in the world of aviation security and throughout the entire field of law enforcement continued rapidly evolving in 2018, and LAAPOA was there to meet them head-on. Along with our partners in the American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO), we stayed at the forefront of the manifold issues facing us, continuing […]
How to Avoid Being a Victim of Cyber Crime
Cybersecurity is probably the last thing on a person’s mind during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and understandably so: It’s easy to get carried away amid the stress that this time of year brings, especially when it comes to finding gifts for everyone on your list. Luckily, online shopping has made it easy […]
A Lump of Coal for LAXPD
The good news is that LAX is thriving. Passenger traffic is up, and the airport is expanding. We are seeing major investments with LAX’s massive modernization initiative — $2.8 billion was just approved for a multi-year consolidated rental car facility; $209 million for a West Intermodal Transportation Facility; $4.9 billion for an automated people mover; $515.8 million […]
Another Sign of Decline in Proactive Policing
New data released by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) shows a significant drop in police-initiated contacts with the public over a four-year period. The finding adds to other evidence suggesting law enforcement officers are increasingly reluctant to make stops and use necessary force — not a surprising development, considering the highly charged public and political discourse surrounding policing issues today.
Attacked From All Sides
Last month, officers and the unions that represent them breathed a collective sigh of relief: Assembly Bill 931 was declared dead for the legislative session. The bill, authored by Assembly Members Shirley Weber (D–San Diego) and Kevin McCarty (D–Sacramento), would have raised the state standard for officers’ use of lethal force from “reasonable” to “necessary.” Soon after AB 931 was introduced to the Legislature, law enforcement organizations called the bill oppressive and anti-public safety.
A Summer of Discontent
Beyond the record heat wave and monumental fires in Southern California, it has been a long, hot summer at LAXPD. The end of summer 2018 will be remembered for the unprecedented number of lawsuits that have been filed against LAXPD Chief David L. Maggard Jr. and airport executives. The complaints are far-ranging — from police […]