May 20--Counter-terrorism security measures were heightened Friday at the Los Angeles International Airport in the wake of the disappearance of EgyptAir Flight 804.
Los Angeles Airport Police say security was strengthened as it monitors events and intelligence, both abroad and domestically.
"The safety and security of passengers, airport workers and visitors is the number one priority of the Los Airport Police Division," Sgt. Belinda Joseph said in a statement.
The increased measures come after the Airbus A320 aircraft lost radar contact early Thursday, four hours into a flight from Paris to Cairo with 66 people aboard.
The Egyptian navy found wreckage from the missing plane in the Mediterranean Sea, officials said Friday. Investigators say terrorism likely caused the crash, but they have not ruled out technical failures.
In Los Angeles, airport police said they will conduct random checkpoints at airport entrances.
Airport officers assigned to the Joint Regional Intelligence Center and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force are constantly sharing and receiving real-time intelligence, Joseph said.
Police have restricted access to more than 150 doors in passenger terminals. Additional officers have also been assigned to a Vulnerability Analysis and Assessment Unit. The unit monitors employee access points, conducts checkpoints and randomly screens airline workers.
More than 48,000 credentialed employees have gone through background checks and have undergone specific security measures.
"While some may consider these individuals as 48,000 potential threats, airport police sees them as 48,000 sets of eyes capable of observing behavior that is uncharacteristic or suspicious and reporting that information to airport police who can respond quickly to investigate," Joseph said.
Police advised airport passengers, "If you see something, say something."
veronica.rocha@latimes.com
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