Police and Traffic Questions

How can I find out about the traffic conditions at LAX?

Tune your radio to 530AM when in the Los Angeles area or Click Here.

Are Airport Police different from other police officers?

Airport Police Officers are sworn peace officers in the state of California. They wear the same uniform as L.A.P.D, however the badges and shoulder patches set them apart. The Airport Police and the L.A.P.D. are totally separate police agencies. The Airport Police Officers’ primary duty is to patrol airport property, however they are empowered by state law to take action outside of their designated patrol area if there is an immediate danger to a person’s safety, or if they observe a crime in progress. Click Here for more.

Whom can I call if I have a question or need to comment about police procedures?

If you have a question about police procedures, comment, or wish to make a complaint, call the Airport Police station (310) 646 - 6254 and ask for the watch commander.

What should I do if I'm involved in a traffic collision?

A person should first ensure nobody is injured. If nobody is injured, all parties (drivers) should exchange information: driver's license number, vehicle license number, names, addresses, phone numbers, names of insurance companies, policy number, location of accident, date and time occurred.

How do I report a traffic collision?

To report a traffic collision call Airport Police (310) 646 - 4268.  

Who are the officers who issue parking tickets?

The officers assigned to issue parking citations are civilian security officers. They are not police officers and do not have police authority. However they do have the authority to issue parking citations and remove illegally parked vehicles from the curb. They are also a great source of information about LAX and do an outstanding job of keeping the traffic flowing throughout the central terminal area.

How can I contest a parking citation?

A person can contest a parking citation received at the airport by calling the Parking Violation Bureau, Department of Transportation, at (213) 623-6533. A recorded phone message provides concise instructions on how to contest the parking citation. All of the recorded instructions must be followed exactly, and within the allotted time period, otherwise the application for hearing will be forfeited.

How can I find out if my vehicle has been towed?

Contact the Airport Police Station at (310) 646-6253 and give the vehicle license plate number to the desk officer.  The desk officer will run the status of the vehicle and will inform the person whether or not the vehicle has been impounded.

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.

Can an Airport Police Officer order me out of my car during a traffic stop?

Yes, the law does allow Airport Police Officers to order you out of your car. The law also allows Airport Police Officers to order you to remain in your vehicle. The law gives them this power in order to ensure the safest possible contact for both you and the officer.

When must an Airport Police Officer read me my rights?

When you are in custody and an officer wants to interrogate (question) you as a suspect of a crime, he/she must read you your rights (Miranda Admonition). Also, juveniles are advised of their rights whenever they are arrested, whether they are questioned or not.

How do I compliment 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 contact:

Airport Police Bureau Internal Affairs (310) 646-0311

What happens if I refuse to sign a ticket? What can I do if I disagree with the traffic or parking ticket?

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 magistrate 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 appear before the commissioner or judge in traffic court. Here you will be able to explain your side of the incident 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.

For parking tickets, you should call the number listed on the back of the citation immediately.

If I attempt to board an aircraft with a firearm will I be arrested?

Yes. 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.

Why do Airport Police Officers occasionally evacuate buildings and cause aircraft and traffic delays?

Occasionally Police investigations arise which in the interest of public safety require that we secure areas of the airport terminals. Every effort is made to resolve these incidents as quickly as possible so as not to inconvenience the traveling public. In all cases the safety of the public and city employees is our main concern.

How long will it take for Airport Police Officers to respond when I call?

In most cases the Airport Police can respond in 5 minutes or less to most places in the airport. The officers are very proud of this record and attribute the very low crime rate to the response time and frequent patrols.

We continually review our response times to find better ways to provide faster service for you.