LAX Checkpoints

[smith629]

I went to pick up my cousin last weekend at LAX. I haven't been there in probably 4 years and I have never picked anyone up there before. In the International arrivals street there were checkpoints set up and "random" inspections taking place. I got picked because my truck has a toolbox in the truck bed.

After a quick search of the toolbox they let me go, but it made me wonder if I had an gun/ammo in the toolbox (locked) is that illegal? There were no indications or signs stating it but it got me wondering while I was waiting for 2+ hours at the terminal (ugh ). Whenever I transport any guns I put them in the locked toolbox, unloaded of course.

Anywyas, thanks for the reply and thanks go those who are making our airports safe.

[PositiveInfluence]

I would probably went a lot worse. I do not recommend carrying guns in or around the airport. Legal or not, it will raise eyebrows.

[762.DEFENSE]

I'm not sure exactly if it's legal or not, I just know after 9/11 I wouldn't push the limits on something like this.

[Danz la Nuit]

If I remember correctly, there is a legal difference between a so called "secured area" of the airport and the non secured area. You would likely be fine in terms of legality but would likely also get hassled by imbeciles who would not know the law.

I would like to see them fumble around when someone states "I do not consent to any search, please advise me as to when I am no longer being detained".

In my experience cops, (especially state cops for some reason) usually have a decent understanding of when it would be a mistake to continue attempting to force a search without probably cause, but I wouldn't expect the TSA nitwits to know their own *** from a bag of cereal.

Look at what happened to one of our CFL members a while back ffs...

[smith629]

It looks to me like they are making the whole airport property a secured area...why else would they be searching people's vehicles? I don't know if I could refuse consent to them to search my vehicle, if they would take my truck or arrest me if I asked to turn around. I've never had a car of mine searched before but I felt it an invasion of my privacy. I was polite the entire time and answered all of their questions right away unlike the guy in the video, but I don't want my vehicle searched unbeknownst to me when I'm just picking a family member. I understand that going through the screening area at the airport you aren't allowed to have any knives, guns, certain amounts of liquids, etc, but thats all common knowledge nowdays and I think they have signs up for that. There were no signs for the traffic stop & search.

[NOTARPilot]

Los Angeles World Airports website states all vehicles entering are subject to random search. There is most likely a sign posted at the entrance that you did not see.

[Notorious]

Wasn't there a guy that had some legal issues because he went shooting and had guns in his car and it got searched at the airport?

[nick]

Wasn't there a guy that had some legal issues because he went shooting and had guns in his car and it got searched at the airport?

Phil Dominguez, I think.

Anyway, bringing guns to the airport is legal. You can fly with guns, you know, checked in in your luggage. Doesn't mean you won't get hassled by those who don't know the law among those whose job it is to enforce it

[Notorious]

I recall CalGuns had to help with the defense, no?

[nick]

I believe so. I think, his issue was that he had a loaded revolver, and CGF helped out with the bogus AW charge.

[Howi152]

Anyway, bringing guns to the airport is legal. You can fly with guns, you know, checked in in your luggage. Doesn't mean you won't get hassled by those who don't know the law among those whose job it is to enforce it

Bringing a gun to the airport is legal as pointed out here. The random vehicle searches are voluntary just like a dui check points.


Now that Ron Paul/ Fox news video... First off the person asking the vast majority of the questions is CLEARLY A LEO, not a TSA person. TSA does not have radio traffic like what is heard on that recording. Careful to point the finger at the right agency. The reason why it was pointed at TSA is because it make for a bigger headline. Also, its the Transportation SECURITY Administration, not the Transportation SAFETY Administration.

[bluesmoke9]

LAX. Pulled in the drop zone one day and a cycle cop pulls me over. Walks up and says you did not do anything wrong, Huh? He said they could not see my front license to run on the computer as I drove into the round about. The plate was not there. So I get the ticket and was free to go. This was back in Jan. 04.

LAPD motors were working LAX pretty hard for a long time and no front plate was a big one. I'm sure Homeland Security was part of the reason but I was also told that for several years LAPD was trying very hard to take over policing the airport because of the enormous revenue involved. Airport cops want for nothing, believe me. Now it seems the motors are gone for the most part.
As for those that feel saying "I refuse consent to search my vehicle" is a good idea, I can only say take the time to weigh the pros and cons beforehand. I understand how good it makes you feel to invoke the constitution and your inalienable rights and all that but cops have a great deal of discretion when the search is of a vehicle and they're also going to get a lot of latitude when the issue to public safety. I'm not saying a search can always be legally justifiable, but before wrapping yourself in the flag ask some reasonable questions to clarify what's up. If the cops are professional they should be able to explain in general terms what they're doing and why. If you try to turn it into a legal debate or impress someone with what you learned in a constititonal law class in junior college you're probably going to come up short. In any case, don't make a scene. The remedy for a unreasonable search or unprofessional conduct almost always comes after the fact and not standing there on the curb yelling about the 4th ammendment to whoever will listen.