LOS ANGELES AIRPORT POLICE DISCIPLINE SYSTEM FAIR AND IMPARTIAL, APPLIES TO OFFICERS OF ALL RANKS
Two Los Angeles Airport Police Division (APD) officials, who had been on administrative leave pending the outcome of personnel investigations, have resigned.
While the APD is prohibited by law from releasing details of personnel matters, laws which are intended to protect employee privacy rights, the agency can confirm that Brian Walker resigned his position as Assistant Chief of Police. In an unrelated matter, a lieutenant in Internal Affairs also resigned his position.
The APD takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and utilizes a deliberative process to investigate complaints thoroughly and fairly. This includes complaints filed by the public, employees, and the department itself. APD conducts investigations to gather facts in order to determine whether the allegations are supported by evidence. Complaints filed against the Chief of Police, Assistant Chiefs and high-ranking Internal Affairs officers are handled by outside investigators to avoid conflict-of-interest issues. If a complaint is substantiated at any time following an exhaustive investigation, APD will take appropriate disciplinary action.
Contrary to claims included in a recent broadcast news report, the APD applies discipline evenly, without regard to rank. All APD personnel, sworn and civilian staff alike, can be subject to disciplinary proceedings and disciplinary action for conduct exhibited in the performance of official duties, as well as off-duty conduct.
The same report also questioned the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification status of Assistant Chief of Police Ethel McGuire, who joined the APD in 2010. Airport Police is aware she is not POST certified and, therefore, does not have peace officer powers. The job specification approved in 2007 by the Los Angeles Civil Service Commission is the legal and operative job specification in effect, and it does not oblige her to obtain peace officer status. In fact, many police agencies employ non-peace officers in critical command-level positions.
Assistant Chief McGuire is a valued member of the command staff, who has built a distinguished record in law enforcement including 24 years of service in the Federal Bureau of Investigation in a variety of progressively more challenging roles. She has dedicated herself to maintaining the safety and security of our airports, no small task in this age of constant threats at home and from abroad. Assistant Chief McGuire commendably carries out all the responsibilities of her position without acting in the capacity of a sworn peace officer. She is a credit to law enforcement and we are fortunate to have her.