Security checkpoints at LAX detect for radioactive material inside vehicles
Checkpoints are set up at every entrance into LAX so police officers can look for high levels of radioactive material that could be used in a hazmat attack on travelers.
"In this case you will see that the first vehicle is located approximately a quarter mile or so down range from where we are and the purpose behind that is to notice anything that may be coming our way prior to reaching the checkpoint," Lt. Masis Sossikian, Airport Police, said.
Once cars pulled into the checkpoint police select random vehicles and begin their search.
Wands allow for a quick sweep around the vehicle.
"It seems like they are already done I've only been here for like 30 seconds," driver, Jeffrey Quintero, said.
Other officers were seen wearing backpacks with more sophisticated detectors inside.
These checks not only allow for a sweep of any hazardous material, but it also allows for police to check for anyone looking to do harm.
"Wherever you have vehicles and you have a lot of people it's scary and it's very difficult," Airport Police Chief, Patrick Gannon, said.
Gannon has been closely monitoring the situation in Nice, France.
He said, officers train for similar situations in an airport environment with large crowd.
"We've had a number of things that we've looked at for how someone could use a vehicle as a weapon through our central terminal area," Ganon said.
Attacks around the globe help dictate how officers are deployed at LAX.
Security at the airport has already been on a heightened alert this summer and after the latest attack the Chief said that's not changing.
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