“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.” Read More »

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. Read More »

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. Read More »

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. Read More »

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. Read More »

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. Read More »