The Canine Unit's mission is to enhance the law enforcement services of Airport Police through high-visibility patrols in public areas, physical deterrence, unattended-vehicle and article investigations, explosives detection, and public service to the aviation community.  The Canine Unit also conducts random and directed searches of cargo facilities, terminals, U.S. mail, aircraft and baggage handling areas.

The Canine Unit also assists the Patrol Services Section by responding to calls for K-9 service, such as criminal suspect searches, and assists the LAPD Bomb Squad as needed.

The Canine Unit at LAX is considered the largest K-9 team among all U.S. airports.

Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit 

The Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) is responsible for identifying, prioritizing, and protecting all critical infrastructure assets as determined by assessments based on the National Infrastructure Protection Plan model.  CIPU develops, plans, practices, and implements sensitive counter-terrorism strategies in response to daily occurrences at all LAWA airports.  In addition, the unit coordinates and participates in ongoing research efforts in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and manages and coordinates the activities of the Airport Security Advisory Committee and the Multi-Agency Coordination Meeting.

Dignitary Protection Unit  

The Dignitary Protection Unit's (DPU) mission is to ensure dignitaries arriving and departing LAWA's airports receive the proper protection and courtesies while at the airports.  DPU liaises with federal, state, local and international law-enforcement agencies and the Los Angeles Consular Corps.

DPU provides dignitary protection protocol training for Los Angeles-based consulates, and provides protection details to ensure the safe movement of foreign heads of state; local, state and federal officials; and other high-threat persons into and out of LAWA airports.  The unit also coordinates related intelligence information through appropriate local, state, federal and foreign agencies.

Emergency Services Unit 

The Emergency Services Unit (ESU) provides primary protection for “high-risk” security-sensitive flights arriving and departing LAX.  

ESU maintains a rapid-response team trained to respond to calls or unusual occurrences (active shooters, barricaded suspects, hi-jacked aircraft, etc.), requiring special tactics with the intent to stabilize and mitigate the incident or threat.  The unit also assists other law enforcement and/or public safety agencies, and provides specialized tactical support to Patrol Services during heightened security alert levels and high-threat assignments.

Intelligence Unit 

The Intelligence Unit collects, analyzes and, as appropriate, disseminates classified and security-sensitive information related to the threat of possible terrorist attacks against civil aviation or other critical infrastructure.  The unit also develops tactical plans, officer deployment and training programs based on intelligence-driven policing models.

The Intelligence Unit is assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Joint Regional Intelligence Center.

Vulnerability Assessment & Analysis Unit 

The Vulnerability Assessment & Analysis Unit's (VAAU) mission is to ensure a safe environment for business and travel at LAWA's airports through compliance with the airports' comprehensive Airport Security Programs (ASP) -- emphasizing security awareness, physical security and participation of all those who travel or conduct business at all LAWA airports.  VAAU coordinates the security activities of all persons and property at the airports by conducting security surveys for compliance with the ASP, Airport Rules and Regulations, and Transportation Security Regulations (TSRs).

VAAU also conducts follow-up investigations of reported security breaches; audits airport tenants to ensure compliance with the ASP and TSRs; and recommends security compliance improvements.  It also inspects access control and security systems and attends pre-construction meetings to ensure compliance with security requirements before construction begins.

VAAU is the primary liaison to the Transportation Security Administration.  Its officers compile weekly and monthly activity reports, as well as maintain, distribute and amend Airport Security Programs.