Update: Statement Regarding Detention of Department Employee at Los Angeles International Airport

September 23, 2004

"Update: Statement Regarding Detention of Department Employee at Los Angeles International Airport"
 
Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the temporary detention and subsequent release of Police Administrator John Miller, Commanding Officer, Critical Incident Management Bureau, at Los Angeles International Airport.
Earlier today, Mr. Miller was off-duty and traveling with his family when he was briefly detained by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). His carry on baggage contained an undeclared Department firearm, which he is authorized to carry.
The Los Angeles Police Department will be working with the appropriate airport and federal officials as they conduct their review of this incident. In addition, LAPD Chief William J. Bratton has directed that an administrative investigation be conducted by our Professional Standards Bureau.
Mr. Miller and his family were allowed to continue on their originally scheduled flight.
At this time, it is the Department’s understanding, that the following TSA provisions would apply to this incident:

TSA completes and submits a report that becomes a civil matter with no criminal implications;
A civil fine could be imposed, but could be mitigated based on the circumstances;
The maximum fine for this type of incident is $3000;
In terms of the weapon, TSA does not take possession of weapons and does not make arrests; and
Los Angeles World Airport Police Department confiscates the weapon and releases it to the issuing agency.

This news release was prepared by Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.
**UPDATE**
Federal Security Director, Mr. Larry Fetters, of the Los Angeles International Airport Transportation Security Administration, will be recommending to the Aviation Operations at TSA Headquarters that Mr. Miller be issued a "Letter of Warning," which is the minimum penalty for this type of incident.