After a fatal shooting on July 4 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn announced a series of major security enhancements, including an investment of more than $30 million to overhaul its security infrastructure. Hahn, who also serves as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Aviation Safety and Security Task Force, says he is focused on ensuring the ongoing safety and security of Los Angeles.

Question: What is the mission of the U.S. Conference of Mayors aviation and security task force and what is your involvement? What are the group’s advocacy efforts?

Hahn: The task force came together quickly in the aftermath of Sept. 11. One of our earliest goals was to [advocate] a fully federalized security force at points of passenger, baggage and cargo inspections. We also [urged that] airports throughout the nation [be funded] for increased security as well as federal assistance guarantees to ensure airport financial stability. Airline workforce protection and affected business relief were other immediate priorities. Support for airport modernization for safety and security, airspace restrictions and heightened security on all general aviation and charter flights throughout the United States were also among our goals.

Question: What has the task force done to increase awareness among airport employees and boost confidence in the traveling public?

Hahn: The surest way — and, frankly, the only way — to boost confidence among the traveling public is to ensure the highest levels of security possible with minimal inconveniences. The task force believes the recommendations we made represented the best approaches to increasing aviation security in the shortest period of time. We urged background checks for all airport workers and that certainly drove home the point to every airport employee that the nation’s mayors want their airports to be safe and secure.

Question: Describe the city’s reaction to the July 4 airport shooting. What did the city and airport learn from that incident?

Hahn: The response was immediate and effective. Within seconds after the gunfire erupted in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, airport police were on the scene helping to contain the loss of life, attend to the victims and secure the area. The evacuation of the terminal was handled quickly and orderly. Airport police, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and numerous other law enforcement agencies cooperated on the local and federal levels. Following the tragic event, the airport staff worked with tenants, air carriers and employees at LAX to develop standardized terminal evacuation procedures. As with any major incident, after-action analyses identified other areas where improvement was indicated, and we are taking actions to modify our emergency response plans accordingly.

Question: What role should local governments play in implementing security changes in airports?

Hahn: LAX has a separate police force that is specifically trained in aviation security. Its primary mission is avoidance of security problems. Our city police force maintains a substation at the airport for investigation of crime that does occur on airport property. The LAPD also performs bomb squad duties at the airport and maintains the TSA-certified K-9 corps. I am pleased with the professional working relationship between our airport police and LAPD. They have a long history of partnering to keep the airport operating securely and efficiently.

Question: What could other airports learn from LAX’s initiatives to strengthen security? What could other cities learn from Los Angeles’ role?

Hahn: Currently, LAX meets or exceeds existing federal requirements. However, I have recently announced a new $15-million initiative to upgrade the airport’s perimeter. Approximately eight miles of upgraded fencing will include a 2-1/2 foot tall concrete rail with eight feet of chain-link fence and six strands of barbed wire, intrusion detection devices, increased lighting, and closed circuit television (CCTV) monitoring. In addition, “sally port” access gates will be installed.
Additionally, I announced that more than 1,200 video cameras would be installed throughout the airport complex through another $15-million initiative. 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. Video footage will be recorded digitally and maintained for future use by law enforcement officials.