Department Had Been Accused Of Misappropriating Millions

After reviewing a complaint alleging that the LAPD had misappropriated millions of dollars for police services at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the FAA has found that no such misappropriation took place, although other problems were uncovered.

The FAA said that LAPD had kept inadequate records and used the K-9 bomb squad paid for by airport funds to respond to calls outside the airport, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. The agency also found one billing error from the program.

Federal regulations require that revenue brought in by landing fees, rent, concessions, and other charges are restricted to airport use.

The LA Airport Peace Officers Association had filed the complaint. The organization represents the more than 400 personnel of the Airport Police Department, which is an independent agency but shares police duties at LAX with the LAPD. They had said that Los Angeles World Airports had paid more than double the normal salary for a police officer in its reimbursement to the LAPD. There were between 50 and 150 full-time LAPD officers assigned to airport duty throughout the year.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.lawa.org/airportpolice.aspx