MAYOR HAHN, MINORITY LEADER GEPHARDT UNVEIL INITIATIVE TO INSTALL CLOSED-CIRCUIT VIDEO CAMERAS AT LAX TERMINALS

Fact Sheet
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(Los Angeles, California -- August 1, 2002) In his continued effort to heighten security at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn announced that more than 1,200 video cameras will be installed throughout the airport complex through a new $15- million initiative.

Mayor Hahn announced the second phase of airport security improvements joined by House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-Missouri), Los Angeles City Councilmember Cindy Miscikowski (11th District), and Los Angeles World Airports Chief Operating Officer Paul Green at LAX today.

Mayor Hahn plans to add cameras to all domestic terminals and all areas of the Tom Bradley International Terminal. The system will be integrated with existing video resources at LAX and will be administered by Los Angeles Airport Police at a new, centralized monitoring station. In addition, video footage will be recorded and maintained for future use by law enforcement officials.

"Closed-circuit television will enable our officers to effectively locate, track and apprehend potential suspects," said Mayor Hahn. "It will provide coverage of all public areas of the terminal buildings, including curbside and drop-off areas, as well as access points from the buildings to the airfield and secured areas of the LAX complex. I am confident that this new tool will greatly enhance public safety at LAX."

The video camera equipment at LAX will be invaluable in providing surveillance, deterring crime and ensuring rapid deployment of law enforcement personnel when incidents occur. The installation of the closed-circuit security cameras will be completed late 2004.

"We are establishing a system that helps our law enforcement officers work more efficiently while minimizing unnecessary inconveniences to travelers and avoiding future terminal evacuations. We will continue to search for innovative ways to monitor terminal buildings and other areas at LAX," Mayor Hahn said.

U.S. Congressman Dick Gephardt expressed his support for Mayor Hahn's leadership and urged federal officials to fully fund ongoing security enhancements at LAX, the fifth busiest airport in the world.

"After September 11th, we passed a tough airport security bill that set deadlines for new security measures meant to safeguard air travelers against any future 9-11s. Mayor Hahn and officials at Los Angeles International Airport have done a great job of working to secure LAX and keeping air travelers safe," Gephardt said. "But if our airports are going to be able to provide the necessary protections for air travelers, they have got to have more support from the Bush Administration and the House Republican Leadership."

Councilwoman Miscikowski, who chairs the City Council's Public Safety Committee, stated that the enhancements at LAX represent Los Angeles' commitment to security.

"Security initiatives like the closed-circuit television cameras in LAX's common areas will minimize security delays and permit passengers, visitors and employees to have a safe and positive visit to the airport. This innovative system will help ensure that LAX remains a strong and reliable economic engine for Los Angeles," Miscikowski said.

"We believe LAX will be the first airport in the United States to have such a comprehensive surveillance system. Airports in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong have already had similar systems installed with excellent results," said LAWA's Chief Operating Officer Paul Green.

As chairman of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Airport Security Task Force, Mayor Hahn wants to ensure that LAX is a model for other cities to follow.

"In the war against terrorism, information is a valuable resource," said LAX Federal Security Director David Stone. "The expanded digital surveillance system announced today by Mayor Hahn will provide law enforcement professionals with real-time information that can be used to better protect the airport and the tens of thousands of people who visit and work at the airport each day."

Mayor Hahn recently announced that 60 armed, uniformed officers will be added to the LAX Airport Police force early next year with interim support provided by Los Angeles Police Department officers. Last week, Mayor Hahn announced a separate $15-million Phase I program to upgrade eight miles of fence surrounding the airport, including a 2-1/2-foot tall concrete rail with eight feet of heavy-duty chain-link fence and six strands of barbed wire, intrusion detection devices, increased lighting, and closed-circuit television monitoring.