MAYOR HAHN EXPEDITES PROGRAM TO HEIGHTEN ARMED SECURITY AT LAX TERMINAL AREAS

(Los Angeles, California -- July 10, 2002) In response to last week's shooting at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, Mayor Jim Hahn is expediting his security enhancement program at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to allow Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to hire off-duty Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers to increase security in the terminal areas.

"We will double the armed airport police patrols in the public terminal areas at LAX," said Mayor Hahn. "It is critical that we immediately enhance visible armed patrols at LAX to adjust to the new security realities."

Mayor Hahn has directed LAWA to make immediate adjustments to its security efforts by directing the agency to hire off-duty LAPD officers to augment LAX police resources. This action will allow the daily deployment of armed airport police officers in each terminal area near ticket counters and waiting areas.

The plan will include patrols by on-foot officers, bike patrols and undercover officers. The number of sworn officers airport-wide will increase by 25 percent, and coverage will be on duty 24 hours a day seven days a week.

"This plan will be fully implemented within the next few days. In the aftermath of the incident of July 4, it is important that we take even more steps to improve our airport security and to reassure passengers that traveling through LAX is safe," Mayor Hahn added.

Mayor Hahn and LAWA have been working to enhance security at LAX since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. Currently, additional officers are in training and are scheduled for graduation from the Airport Police Academy in January 2003.

The off-duty LAPD officers will be monitoring the terminal areas for six months, until the training class of LAWA officers graduates early next year.

"I applaud Mayor Hahn's decision to increase the presence of armed law enforcement at LAX. This increase in visible patrol will heighten three essential aspects of security: common knowledge of their presence will deter crime, trained officers skilled in observation will contribute to crime prevention, and their immediate availability will provide quick reaction to situations," said Roger Remington of Glenealy International, aviation security consultant to LAWA.

Mayor Hahn has also directed airport security consultants on contract with LAWA to expedite security reviews and report back to him and the airport commission within two weeks.