In Order to Speed Up Screening Process, TSA Should Remain Focused on Its Primary Function of Screening Baggage and Passengers and Leave Law Enforcement Type of Duties to Airport Police

With the summer travel season nearly upon us, Transportation Security Authority (TSA) screening checkpoint wait times are expected to increase exponentially due to screener staffing shortages. The Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers’ Association (LAAPOA) believes these concerns are best addressed by TSA re-assigning its Behavior Detection Officers (BDO) and Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) agents to screening duty, and by repurposing TSA funds from the BDO and VIPR programs to hire additional TSA screening agents to help ease the long lines at the screening area. Read More »

Reform, Don’t Repeal, the Death Penalty

Although California hasn’t executed a death-row inmate in more than 10 years, the political battles surrounding the death penalty swirl as intensely as ever. Both sides agree that the current system is riddled with waste, delays and inefficiencies, but they are sharply divided on what to do about it. A January Field poll found that 48% of Californians supported speeding up the execution process, while 47% favored doing away with the death penalty entirely. Read More »

Help Wanted: A Chief That Advocates for Their Force

The Airport Police that patrol and secure LAX require facilities that can properly deal with the consequences of major issues at the airport such as a terrorist disruption to travel, as well as man-made and natural threats, such as a major earthquake. Given that LAX is the second busiest airport in the nation and a key transportation mode for the region, it is essential that we also have a facility that can properly house our officers and their equipment. Read More »

LAAPOA Interview: Former LAWA Director of Airport Safety Services Bayan Lewis

Bayan Lewis has an extensive history of public service, including an Army and National Guard career from which he retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel; 34 years with the LAPD, where he retired as interim chief of police; and another five and a half years with the L.A. County Office of Public Safety, where as chief he was responsible for merging three independent County police agencies into one cohesive department. Read More »

Help Wanted: A Chief That Advocates for Security Part II

The $5-billion Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP) at LAX, which will include a landside Automated People Mover, a Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility, multiple Intermodal Transportation Facilities, and a comprehensive network of roadway improvements, will help ensure LAX continues to be a world-class facility while also facilitating the movement of millions of travelers and employees into and out of the airport. However, with the expansion of these facilities, public safety must be at the forefront of consideration. Read More »

Airport Police Union Reps to Appear Before Committee Hearing on Security Breaches at Van Nuys Airport

Representatives from the Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers’ Association (LAAPOA) will appear Tuesday before the Innovation, Grants, Technology, Commerce and Trade Committee, which oversees airports and harbors, to offer comment on the re-occurring incidents of security breaches and vandalism at Van Nuys Airport. Councilman Bob Blumenfield who submitted a motion requesting the hearing chairs the committee. Read More »