(January 26, 2009) Since January 1st of this year, Airport Police have experienced an increase in the number of guns discovered during the random inspection of vehicles entering the roadways of LAX. None of these incidents are believed to have been part of any intended criminal activity. However, in most cases they have resulted in the arrest of individuals for various laws that prohibit improper carriage of weapons.

Here are a few simple things to remember.

1. Before coming to LAX understand you may be randomly selected for an inspection of your vehicle as you enter the airport area (even if you do not intend to park or go into a terminal).

2. Check you vehicle before you come to LAX, so you know what is inside. This includes the glove box, trunk and cargo area for pick-up trucks.

3. GENERALLY, IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A PISTOL, REVOLVER OR FIREARM (CAPABLE OF BEING CONCEALED UPON THE PERSON) IN YOUR VEHICLE WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING ON ANY PUBLIC STREET IN LOS ANGELES. Check Penal Code 12025, 12026 for specific details.

The only legal way to transport a concealable gun is to be a US Citizen, 18 or older, and not within a restricted class of individuals prohibited from owning guns. In addition, the gun must not be loaded and must be "locked in the trunk or in a locked container in the vehicle other than the utility or glove compartment." Ammunition may be in the same locked box but not in, or attached to, the gun. The "locked container" must be fully enclosed and locked.

4. GENERALLY, IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A LOADED PISTOL, REVOLVER OR FIREARM IN YOUR VEHICLE WHEN YOU COME TO THE AIRPORT. A firearm shall be deemed to be loaded when there is unexpended ammunition in, or attached in any manner to, the firearm (including a loaded magazine in a gun without a round in the chamber). Check Penal Code 12031 for specific details.

5. IF YOU ARE ALLOWED LAWFULLY POSSESS AND CARRY A LOADED AND CONCEALED WEAPON, by virtue of peace officer status, a concealable weapons permit or any other permit you believe to be valid, consider the "necessity" of bring it to the airport. We are in an security sensitive environment that is well policed by a multitude of agencies. If you choose to exercise your lawful option, be sure you have checked and verified you are in possession of all required permits and identification. Most important—act responsibly.

If you have questions, call the LAX Airport Police at 310- 604 0200. If you have question about how to transport a gun in your checked luggage, call your air carrier. It is our intent to make you next visit to LAX safe and enjoyable.

For specific information, we urge you to check 12020, 12025, 12026, and 12031 of the California Penal Code. There you will find a complete list of list of parameters involved with the lawful possession and carriage of weapons.