Beyond Inexcusable: TSA’s Ineptitude Jeopardizes Safety at One of World’s Most Terrorist-Targeted Airports
Yesterday, 11 passengers breached a TSA screening checkpoint when a screening lane was left open and unmanned at JFK Airport’s JetBlue terminal. Even more unbelievable is that three of the passengers set off the metal detector yet were able to board their flights, since the Port Authority airport police were not informed by TSA of the security breach until two hours after the incident occurred.
New Report Highlights Airport Security Gaps; AAAPO Urges Lawmakers to Fix Them
A new report by the House Homeland Security Committee finds that current vetting procedures for airport employees are insufficient. The American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) has long called for stronger vetting of airport employees, particularly 100% screening of all airport employees, including TSA, and encourages lawmakers to help fix these gaps by enacting legislation.
LAAPOA Calls for Peaceful Protests
With airports becoming ground zero for protests of the executive order temporarily banning refugees and citizens of seven countries from entering the U.S., the Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association (LAAPOA) urges travelers, airport employees and protesters to remain respectful of each other as the second weekend of protests commences.
New Year, New Challenges
January is a time of possibility, as we open our fresh calendars, survey the blank pages and contemplate all the events yet to be written. Untold changes and challenges await us in the year ahead, and while it’s unrealistic to believe that the violence, terrorism and political conflict of 2016 are safely behind us for good, 2017 carries renewed potential for hope and healing.
AAAPO Stands With Ft. Lauderdale
The American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) is saddened to learn of today’s shooting at Ft. Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport. While initial reports are still coming in, we extend our sympathies to the families and friends of the five people who were killed, those who have been injured and all those affected by this horrible incident.
What a Year! Wrapping Up 2016
As we conclude the year and look back on its major events, including a tumultuous presidential campaign, loss of cultural icons, unprecedented acts of violence against law enforcement, domestic and international terrorist attacks, and continuing unrest and wars overseas, LAXPD officers are acutely aware of the lives we protect daily.
Airport Security Protocols Must Be Bolstered
With air travel expected to reach a record 45.2 million passengers between December 16 and January 5, after what is anticipated to be the busiest year ever for air travel in the United States, the American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) urges travelers to demand enhanced security protocols at American airports, particularly in light of the current heightened threats in the geopolitical climate.