-- 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.