Company Profile
Los Angeles World Airports
Company Overview
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) serves as the aviation authority for two of Southern California’s most critical infrastructures: Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys (VNY) airports.
LAWA is a self-supporting branch of the City of Los Angeles, governed by a seven-member Board of Airport Commissioners. The Board is composed of public-spirited business and civic leaders appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti and confirmed by the City Council. A professional executive and administrative staff carries out the policies of the Airport Commission. Approximately 3,900 employees support the operations of the two airports that make up LAWA. Within the Airport Police Division, there are over 500 sworn and over 600 civilian security and administrative personnel.
LAX and VNY each face unique challenges and circumstances that require an adaptive and flexible security and policing strategy. LAX, in particular, has been a terrorist target for decades and its high volume of passengers, vehicles, and air traffic create complex security concerns unlike any other airport in the world. The Airport Police Division prides itself on developing close partnerships with other federal and local enforcement agencies to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety and security of LAWA’s airports.