chief of police reported to one of the deputy executive directors for LAWA. From that level, the chain of command went up to the executive director, then to the Los Angeles Airport Commission, and finally to the mayor of Los Angeles. In 2010, the deputy executive director reporting relationship was eliminated, with the chief of police now reporting directly to the LAWA executive director. Partnership with LAPD Approximately 30 LAPD officers were assigned to LAX as a regular assignment from 1961 to the late 1990s. The number has increased since then but is believed to be less than 75. Their original purpose was to handle crime reports and police response. Over time, with increased passenger counts and increases in Airport Police staffing, Airport Police took on more of the police functions. Although the relationship between both agencies has been stormy (typically in response to merger attempts), individual relations between line officers and up to the local command level have usually been cordial and effective. This has especially been the case during periods of crisis and emergency, with collaborative management, command, and control using the Incident Command System. In response to a 2002 terrorist shooting incident at LAX, Mayor James Hahn directed that additional LAPD officers be assigned to the airport. These officers were assigned to passenger screening stations so as to free up Airport Police officers for other duties. The LAPD officers are trained by Airport Police for these duties and are expected to call Airport Police to resolve matters as they arise. A number of LAPD officers are assigned to explosive detection duties in partnership with LAXPD officers in a joint unit. LAPD also provides additional specialized assistance on request. Several LAXPD officers are assigned as Detectives, working out of LAPD detective units on airport-related crimes. LAXPD officers are trained at the Los Angeles Police Academy, and the agency training meets the same standards as the LAPD. Merger attempts At least six attempts have been made to merge the LAXPD into the LAPD since the early 1970s. A number of outside studies have been commissioned resulting in recommendations that the forces not be merged. The latest study was in 2004–2005 and contained almost identical recommendations as put forth in a 1984 study. In 1999, a new City Charter clause stipulated that the Airport Police would be under the autonomous control of Los Angeles World Airports. In May 2005, Proposition