LAAPOA Urges No Vote on Prop 57
The Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association (LAAPOA) is alarmed at a highly irresponsible and dangerous proposal on the November 8 ballot. Billed as the Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act, and supported and developed by Governor Jerry Brown, this initiative is designed to ease prison overcrowding by releasing supposed “nonviolent” offenders from state penitentiaries (perhaps not coincidentally saving the governor millions of dollars in his budget in the process).
Daily Dangers Do Not Deter Police From Protecting the Public
The American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) denounces the killings of Sherriff’s Sergeant Steve Owen of the Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department, Officer Blake Snyder of the St. Louis County Police Department and Palm Springs Officers Jose Gilbert Vega and Lesley Zerebny, all of whom were killed in the line of duty this past week.
Police Officers Are Proud to Protect Our Communities
Day in and day out police officers across the United States come face to face with threats and danger in the normal course of their jobs. This is unlike many other professions and not the path most would choose. The American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) would like to remind our neighbors in our communities that law enforcement officers are here to help, not hurt.
Airline Profits Are Increasing, So Should Airport Security
According to a recent study, ten U.S. passenger airlines collectively reported a pre-tax profit of approximately $12 billion in the first half of 2016, up $700 million when compared to the same time last year. While the American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) is glad to hear that air travel is on the rise, and that airlines and airports are seeing more business, we have to wonder why airport security is still an issue that remains on the back burner.
TSA Management Continues to Jeopardize Public and Employee Safety At Airports
The American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) hails the 16 Members of Congress who have signed on to cosponsor HR 5720, The Checkpoint Safety Act of 2016, which was introduced by Congressman Eliot Engel and will ensure large airports have a dedicated, armed local law enforcement officer near the screening area to reinforce Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and fortify the most crucial traveler chokepoint.
“Preservation of Life” Award Presents a Perilous Quandary for Officers
On September 8, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck honored 25 officers with the inaugural “Preservation of Life” medal for not using deadly force during dangerous encounters. Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, notes that in this era of intense scrutiny of law enforcement practices, the Department’s controversial new award might be the start of a nationwide trend: “The LAPD is held in special regard, so for them to put this award at the same level as the Medal of Valor sends a huge message to the entire policing profession.”