Panel Blames Poor Oversight, Limited Police Patrols For LAX Safety Violations

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A panel tasked with evaluating safety and security at Los Angeles International Airport found poor communication between various agencies and limited police patrols were to blame for a number of violations, according to a draft copy of the report obtained by KNX 1070.

Mayor Villaraigosa responds to KNX 1070's exclusive report on LAX security flaws

KNX 1070's investigative reporter Charles Feldman reports the draft dated March 31 paints a very disturbing picture of security at the airport.

Some of the findings from the Law Enforcement Operations Committee include airport vendors complaining about theft problems due to limited police patrols in terminals and baggage areas, while at the same time some LAX officers reportedly preferring to work crime suppression and investigation rather than staffing security checkpoints and patrols.

The report also charges that the executive director of LAX does not regularly participate in emergency management board meetings, which cover critical security operations at the airport, and that several security cameras in some sensitive areas are not properly installed.

The volunteer Blue Ribbon panel also called for a new position to be created that would oversee the chief of police at LAX amid concerns that the current chief is widely viewed as not demonstrating "strong leadership".

The final report is expected to be submitted to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on June 20.

A redacted version of the report will likely be made public in coming weeks.

Villaraigosa convened the panel after a KNX 1070 investigation in December revealed a number of security lapses ranging from on-duty airport police doing crossword puzzles to several blocked safety exits.