LAAPOA Interview: Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts

Current City of Inglewood Mayor James Butts is the former deputy executive director in charge of Homeland Security and Public Safety at LAX. He has a long history of police service, mostly with the Inglewood Police Department, which he joined in 1972. There he held the positions of officer, detective, SWAT commander and Narcotics Division commander before promoting to sergeant in 1981, lieutenant in 1984, chief of operations in 1986 and finally deputy chief in 1990. Read More »

False Alarm at JFK Airport Reinforces Need for Enhanced Security Measures

The American Alliance of Airport Police Officers (AAAPO) is relieved that the events that unfolded at JFK Airport on Sunday, August 14th appear to be no more than a false alarm; however, they highlight, once again, that airports continue to be vulnerable to attack. Terrorists and those seeking to cause maximum damage and harm have repeatedly proven this, and the AAAPO reiterates its calls for reasonable measures to be taken in order to protect the traveling public. Read More »

Looking to November: Candidates’ Views on Law Enforcement

As the general election approaches, and the chaotic presidential race continues to dominate headlines, LAAPOA urges all members to stay informed and pay close attention to the presidential and legislative candidates’ approaches to law enforcement policies. Of course, all political hopefuls will claim that they support police — but how that support might play out in the form of law-enforcement-related policy is quite different. Read More »

Out with the old and in with the new

While the news is all a buzz with the upcoming corruption trial for former Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, the retiring of former Los Angeles Police Chief NYPD Commissioner William Bratton and the continued calls from community activists for the firing of current LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, the Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers’ Association remains hopeful for real leadership for our department in the search for a new police chief. Read More »

Moving Past Tragedy, Together

The tumultuous and tragic past month, when protests against police uses of force devolved into terrifying ambushes of officers with civilians caught in the crossfire, has served as an urgent reminder that all sides of the debate over law enforcement policy must continue to find common ground and work collaboratively toward reform. Read More »

LAAPOA Statement on Hit-and-Run Involving LAXPD Officer

The Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers’ Association (LAAPOA) would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to the multiple surrounding law enforcement agencies who assisted LAXPD Motor Officer Daniel Quiros after he was involved in a hit-and-run collision early Tuesday morning. The suspects exited their vehicle and fled on foot. An off duty LAPD Pacific Division Officer was the first on scene and immediately called for help. Read More »