Los Angeles Airport Police - LAPD Merger Attempts

LAPD Merger Attempts

At least six attempts have been made to merge the Los Angeles Airport Police into the Los Angeles Police Department since the early 1970s. A number of outside studies have been commissioned resulting in recommendations that the forces not be merged. The latest study was in 2004 - 2005 and contained almost identical recommendations as put forth in a 1984 study. In 1999, a new City Charter clause stipulated that the Airport Police would be under the autonomous control of Los Angeles World Airports. In May 2005, "Proposition A" was placed on the city ballot, calling for an amendment to the City Charter that would allow a merger with LAPD. The measure was soundly defeated at the polls. There has been some discussion of a merger of all law enforcement agencies in the City of Los Angeles with the LAPD. LAWA Police officers are now trained at the Los Angeles Police Academy in Westchester, CA and the agency training now meets the same standards as the LAPD.