About Los angeles airport peace officers association
Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association: Protecting and Serving LAX, ONT, and VNY
The Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association (LAAPOA) is a non-profit organization that represents the sworn police officers and firefighters of the Los Angeles Airport Police Department. The association was established in 1964 to provide support for its members who are assigned to protect and serve Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario International Airport (ONT), and Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
As one of the largest airport police departments in the United States, the Los Angeles Airport Police Department is responsible for maintaining safety and security at LAX, ONT, and VNY. The department has over 1,100 sworn officers who are trained to handle a wide range of situations including terrorism threats, natural disasters, medical emergencies, criminal activity, traffic control, and more.
The mission of LAAPOA is to promote professionalism among its members while advocating for their rights as public safety professionals. The association provides various benefits such as legal representation in disciplinary matters or lawsuits related to job performance. Additionally, LAAPOA offers scholarships for children of its members who wish to pursue higher education.
One of the primary goals of LAAPOA is to ensure that its members have access to quality training programs that will help them perform their duties effectively. To this end, the association has established partnerships with various organizations such as UCLA Extension which offers courses on topics like leadership development or crisis management.
Another important aspect of LAAPOA's work is community outreach. The association regularly participates in events like National Night Out which aims at building relationships between law enforcement agencies and local communities. Additionally, LAAPOA supports various charities such as Special Olympics Southern California or Concerns Of Police Survivors (COPS) which provides assistance to families of fallen officers.
In recent years there have been several high-profile incidents involving airport security which have highlighted the importance of having well-trained and equipped officers on duty. LAAPOA has been at the forefront of efforts to improve airport security by advocating for increased funding for training programs, equipment upgrades, and staffing levels.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association plays a vital role in ensuring that LAX, ONT, and VNY remain safe and secure for travelers and employees alike. The association's commitment to professionalism, training excellence, community outreach, and advocacy make it an essential partner in maintaining public safety in Southern California.