Video Prompts L.A. Airport Police Probe

[BEER980]

Nov 20, 5:51 PM (ET)


LOS ANGELES (AP) - City officials are calling for an investigation of Los Angeles International Airport police after hidden cameras captured several officers abandoning their posts and ignoring emergency radio calls. "I am very concerned about airport police officers neglecting their duties," Mayor James K. Hahn wrote to Kim Day, executive director of the airport agency. "Security at the airport must not be compromised."

The camera footage broadcast Thursday by KCBS-TV appeared to show officers spending hours of their shifts away from the airport or staying at the airport but not working. It also showed police chatting at a restaurant while ignoring radio calls about abandoned suitcases, and using a patrol car to pick up a child at school. KCBS reporters followed officers for two months with hidden cameras.

The airport police force employs 300 officers.

Airport Police Chief Bernard J. Wilson said a department probe already is under way and two employees have been placed on administrative leave with pay. "I will not tolerate misconduct," Wilson added. "And I won't allow the reputation of the airport police to be tarnished by a few."


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