-- MEDIA STATEMENT -- LOS ANGELES AIRPORT POLICE STATEMENT REGARDING SECURITY MEASURES AT LAX
-- MEDIA STATEMENT --
LOS ANGELES AIRPORT POLICE STATEMENT REGARDING SECURITY MEASURES AT LAX
The safety and security of passengers, airport workers, and visitors is the number one priority of the Los Angeles Airport Police Division (APD). In light of the disappearance of EgyptAir Flight MS804, we have heightened our security posture and enhanced our counter-terrorism security measures at LAX.
We are constantly assessing intelligence and events, both domestically and abroad. Airport Police officers assigned to the Joint Regional Intelligence Center (JRIC) and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) receive and share real-time intelligence to proactively mitigate security threats.
We constantly review the security measures we have in place, and will enhance and improve security as needed. As part of our layered approach to security at LAX, we conduct random checkpoints at airport entrances. APD has implemented specific security measures for airport employees. There are over 48,000 credentialed employees who, during the hiring and credentialing process, go through a background check. While some may consider these individuals as 48,000 potential threats, airport police sees them as 48,000 sets of eyes capable of observing behavior that is uncharacteristic or suspicious and reporting that information to airport police who can respond quickly to investigate.
After a comprehensive review of airport access points, those used by aviation workers to enter sterile and secured areas of LAX were reduced to an operational minimum. Airport Police eliminated and restricted access to over 150 doors within passenger terminals. As well, additional officers have been assigned to the Vulnerability Analysis and Assessment Unit (VAAU) to monitor employee access points daily, and conduct inspections and random screening of aviation workers throughout the sterile and secured areas.
Airport Police also use a Senior Lead Officer (SLO) program. This “Community Policing” strategy is just one element of the layered safety and security approach that counts on strong partner and relationships to address problems quickly and effectively.
We also advocate the “If You See Something, Say Something™” program. It is a national campaign that raises public awareness of the indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, as well as the importance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement.
Security is Everybody’s Business! If You See Something, Say Something – report Suspicious Activity to Airport Police Dispatch at 310-646-7911 or by calling the iWatch hotline at 1-877-A-Threat.
LAX, the sixth-busiest airport in the world serving nearly 66 million guests in 2022, is owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a proprietary, revenue-generating department of the City of Los Angeles that also governs Van Nuys Airport (VNY). As the international gateway to the Southern California region, LAX and its partners are dedicated to meeting global airport standards for customer satisfaction, safety, regional economic leadership, organizational performance and sustainability.
To better serve the millions of domestic and international guests that travel through LAX each year, the airport is undergoing a multi-billion-dollar capital improvement program to modernize its entire campus. Initiatives underway include an Automated People Mover, a Consolidated Rental Car Facility and two projects that will each add over one million square feet to the airport's existing property: Terminal 9 and Concourse 0. For more information about LAX, its transformation and its environmental, social and local workforce commitments, please visit flylax.com. Follow LAX on X (formally Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.