The Los Angeles Airport Police Division (LAWAPD or LAXPD) is the airport police division of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the city department that owns and operates two airports in Los Angeles: Los Angeles International Airport and Van Nuys Airport. It has more than 1,100 officers, security, and staff. Though it works very closely with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), LAXPD is a separate entity, primarily due to the airport police having specialized training and funding resources. History Early history 1946–1959 The Los Angeles Airport Police traces its beginnings to 1946, when the Los Angeles Airport was transferred from the War Department to the City of Los Angeles. The airport was later known informally as Los Angeles Jetport, finally becoming Los Angeles International Airport, with the three-letter IATA designator of LAX. Six armed Airport Guards and one supervisor were hired to provide physical security over City properties. The number expanded to nine in 1949, the same year that the officers were re-classified as Special Officers of the City of Los Angeles. The Special Officers were armed and worked for the Operations Bureau under the direction of the on-duty Superintendent of Operations. Airport Security Division 1959–1981 In 1959, the number increased to 12, led by the first Chief of Security George Dorian, with the organization being known as the Security Division of the Operations Bureau. The organization was responsible for general physical security and for patrolling airport areas. In 1961, with the opening of the new "Jet Age" passenger terminal, a detachment of officers from the LAPD were permanently assigned to LAX, working closely with the airport Special Officers. In 1968, Special Officers of the Department of Airports were granted peace officer status by the California legislature. Slow growth occurred over the years, until 1973, when approximately 70 officers and sergeants were assigned. A single lieutenant position was added in the early 1970s. Approximately 30 unarmed, non-sworn Security Officers were first employed in 1975, staffing airfield access control posts. They remain in service today, numbering approximately 275, with their own supervisory ranks to the second level (Lieutenant). Their duties have been expanded to include traffic control, parking enforcement, vehicle inspection screening, crowd control and assisting travelers with information. Boarding Services Bureau (Anti-Hijack Detail) 1973–1981 In 1973, in response to worldwide aircraft hijacking concerns, a separate organization of peace officers was created, with responsibility to provide armed presence at passenger screening