"Communications woes hampered police response to LAX shooting"

Tuesday, October 8, 2002

Communications woes hampered police response to LAX shooting
By AMANDA RIDDLE
The Associated Press


LOS ANGELES (AP) - Authorities rushing to a deadly Fourth of July
shooting at Los Angeles International Airport struggled with
communications problems, including not knowing what radio frequency to
tune into, according to two investigations of the incident.

While the overall response to the shooting that left three dead,
including the gunman, was hailed as a success, two reports recommended
several ways to better respond to terrorist attacks or other major
disturbances at the airport.

The Los Angeles and Los Angeles International Airport police departments
prepared the reports at the request of City Councilman Jack Weiss. They
were presented Monday.

"We can't be too self congratulatory at times like this," Weiss said.
"We have to continue to be extraordinarily vigilant."

Egyptian Hesham Mohamed Hadayet opened fire July 4 at the El Al ticket
counter, killing two people before he was shot dead by an airline
security guard.

Ten agencies responded, including the FBI and U.S. Customs. The reports
found officers missed crucial information because they weren't listening
to the same radio frequency.

The studies recommended improving communication between agencies,
sharing more resources, keeping evacuated passengers better informed and
assessing airport security procedures on an ongoing basis.

Weiss questioned police and airport officials about whether they could
have controlled the situation if the gunman hadn't been shot by the El
Al guard. He also asked if airport officers were prepared for a more
severe attack, such as one involving hostages or trained sharp shooters.

"My concern is that we not fight the last war or focus on how to improve
our response to relatively low-level acts of terrorism and miss the boat
in preparing for what I fear may be the next war, which is more
determined, effective lethal terrorists," Weiss said.

The councilman wants to study whether the Airport Police Department
should merge with the Los Angeles Police Department to increase
efficiency, a suggestion airport commissioners have rejected.

Airport Police Chief Bernard J. Wilson told Weiss he couldn't guarantee
his agency was prepared for larger attacks.

Wilson said officers were working with the LAPD and FBI to develop a
rapid response team for major incidents. Airport officers also are being
trained by the LAPD's bomb detection canine unit and SWAT team.


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