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Did LAPD Overcharge LAX for Airport Security and Misuse Those Extra Funds?
The Los Angeles Police Department may have misused funds paid to them by Los Angeles International Airport to provide security at the facility, and now a federal probe aims to get to the bottom of the allegation, says KTLA. Millions of dollars are in question, per the complaint.
The Federal Aviation Administration is looking into a "recent complaint" that alleges "the LAPD overcharged the airport and used the money to bolster city coffers and pay for police expenses unrelated to security at LAX, which has been described as a top potential target for terrorists."
Financial records from previous years indicate that the amount the LAPD charges LAX for some services is seriously inflated from what it actually costs them. One example from 2008-2009 fiscal year shows that the LAPD charged LAX $384,000 for the salary of a LAPD captain who earns only $148,000.
In 2009, the city had to repay $21.2 million to Los Angeles World Airports. Should these claims be substantiated for this year, a payback will also have to happen.
The LAPD, however, maintain they are making appropriate charges: "The LAPD has been audited many times in the past, and we believe this and future audits will show the LAPD is providing a completely fair service for what is being charged," Cmdr. Andy Smith said.
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