Frequently Asked Questions –
Police and
Traffic Questions
Who should
I call if I lose an item of personal property at the airport?
The TSA will generally hold
items that are left at the screening points for the duration of an 8-hour shift
and then turn the items over to the Airport Police. You may call the Airport
Police at (818) 840-8830 ext. 2342, to inquire about Lost and Found items. For complete information, please refer to the
“Lost and Found” section of this website.
It’s also a good idea to check
with your airline to see if the lost item has been turned in to them.
Are Airport
Police Officers different from other police officers?
Airport Police Officers are sworn peace officers in the state of
Whom can I
call if I have a question or need to comment about police procedures?
If you have a question about police procedures, call the Airport
Police at (818)
840-8830 and ask for the Watch Commander.
Written comments may be directed to the Director of Public Safety in c/o
the Airport Authority Police Department at
How can I
contest a parking citation?
A person may contest a parking citation received at the airport by
calling the
Why are Airport Police Officers so rigid in their enforcement of
the “No Parking or Waiting” restrictions in front of the terminal? I just need to go inside for a few minutes.
Airport officers enforce such restrictions as part of the
Department’s Anti-Terror Techniques.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Regulations prohibit
parking / waiting or the leaving of unattended vehicles in front of airport
buildings.
An unattended vehicle parked at the curb in front of an airport
terminal building represents one of the most significant hazards to the safety
of the traveling public today.
Terrorists, both foreign and domestic, have been highly successful in
using vehicle-bourn explosive devices to carry out their attacks. Persons sitting in parked vehicles that are
not loading or unloading, raise concerns of a potential suicide bomber
attack. Airport officers will cite /
remove any vehicle left parked or unattended in front of an airport
building. Drivers waiting at the curb,
who are not immediately loading or unloading their
vehicles will be directed to circle the airport or park in a designated parking
area. Drivers who refuse to move their
vehicles will be cited.
Why Won’t the Airport Police allow me to load / unload passengers and baggage in the
middle of the street? After all, it is
an airport.
Drivers and pedestrians can sometimes become preoccupied and less
attentive than usual at the airport, making the loading and unloading of
passengers in the middle of the street very dangerous, especially during peak
periods. A vehicle stopped in the middle
of the street can make other drivers impatient, causing them to attempt to pass
the stopped vehicle and possibly strike a person who suddenly exits from the
stopped vehicle.
Pedestrians who suddenly step into traffic towards
vehicles that are stopped in the middle of the street, run the risk of being
struck by oncoming traffic. The streets
at the airport are the same as any city street where the California Vehicle
Code applies. Most prudent drivers wouldn’t dream of stopping to load or unload
their vehicles in the middle of busy Hollywood Way or Ventura Blvd. Drivers
should exercise the same caution and common sense when on airport streets.
Airport Police Officers take such dangers to the Public Safety
seriously and will direct drivers to the nearest White Zone for loading /
unloading. Drivers or pedestrians who
insist on loading in the middle of the street may be cited.
Can an Airport Police Officer write me a Moving Violation /
Traffic Citation on the city streets?
Yes. Airport Officers are empowered by State law to enforce the
Vehicle Code on airport roadways and the public streets.
How can I
contest a traffic citation?
A person who receives a traffic citation may contest it by going
through the court he/she is cited to (listed on the
citation) and posting bail (paying the fine). After the person has posted bail,
the court clerk will assign a court date. On the specified date, the
person will be able to plead his/her case before a judge and question the
officer. If the judge rules in the person's favor, the bail posted will
be refunded.
What
happens if I refuse to sign a ticket?
What can I do if I disagree with a traffic ticket issued by the Airport
Police?
The law mandates that law enforcement personnel issuing the
citation take you before a magistrate (judge) without necessary delay if you
fail to sign the ticket. By signing the ticket you can appear before a judge at
a later date, avoiding a jail visit. Signing a ticket is not an admission of
guilt, just a promise to appear before the magistrate.
If you disagree with the ticket, you should request a trial date
and appear before the commissioner or judge in traffic court. Here you will be
able to explain your side of the incident, question
the issuing officer and introduce items of evidence in your defense. The court
will also listen to the officer’s account of the incident and admit his/her
relevant evidence. The court will then render an impartial decision concerning
the ticket.
How do I
compliment or complain about an officer's work?
You may compliment an officer’s work by calling the Watch
Commander. The compliments received from you are a great boost for the
officers. These compliments also help us identify the areas, and the officers,
which are making a positive difference in your community. You may also send
written compliments or complaints to the Director of Public Safety in c/o the
Airport Authority Police Department at
If I
attempt to board an aircraft with a firearm will I be arrested?
Yes. Federal law prohibits
the attempt to carry or the actual carrying of firearms aboard aircraft. State laws prohibit the possession of
concealed firearms in public places, or possession in specific areas of the
airport. Only Law Enforcement Officers with
the need to have the weapon while the aircraft is in flight are allowed to
carry them aboard. Contact the airline you are flying with for instructions on
how to legally and safely transport firearms/weapons. Passengers may also face arrest for any other
illegal items, including narcotics, that are
discovered during TSA screening.
Should I call the Airport Police if I have a complaint about
the checkpoint screening process?
No. The Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) administrates the security screening process at
Persons who wish to report a
crime or suspicious activity anywhere in the airport, including the security
checkpoints, are encouraged to call the Airport Police by picking up a Courtesy
Telephone and dialing 2, or by calling (818) 840-8830 ext 0.