Michael T. Hyams assumed the position of Los Angeles World Aiports Assistant Police Chief for Operations in September 2010.  He oversees sections responsible for patrol, traffic and security at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) three airports Los Angeles International (LAX), LA/Ontario International (ONT), Van Nuys (VNY) (general aviation).   

Hyams came to LAWA after serving as executive director of Judicial Support Services for the Orange County Superior Court, a position he held since 2007.   In that capacity, he was responsible for all public safety provided by the court’s 315 Sheriff’s deputies, and leadership of a professional staff of 300. 

Chief Hyams has a diverse law enforcement background which includes 25 years of senior management and supervisory experience and nine years as a police legal advisor and professional standards expert. 

He rose through the ranks at the Newport Beach Police Department to Captain and served as Division Commander for Patrol, Detectives, and Support Services. He also served as Executive Director of Judicial Support for the Orange County Superior Court, responsible for all public safety provided by the court’s 320 Sheriff’s deputies and leading a professional civilian staff of over 300 attorneys, interpreters and court reporters.  After leaving NBPD, he worked a short time for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Office of the Inspector General.   

Chief Hyams is an attorney and earned a Juris Doctor Degree from Western State College of Law, a PhD in Psychology from U.S. International University, a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Redlands. He is an  honor graduate of the Los Angeles Police Academy, and a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.   He is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and earned AAAE status as an Airport Certified Employee in Security.   

The Office of Operations is composed of two sections:

• Patrol Services Section
• Traffic and Security Services Section