Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the busiest airports in the world, is a tourist destination for many travelers. In charge of overseeing safety at the airport is Cecil Rhambo, Chief of Police at Los Angeles World Airport.
He was born in Seoul in 1959 to a black father and a Korean mother, then he was adopted by a black family in the U.S. when he was only five months old.
As an iconic figure among Korean-American police officers, Rhambo began his career at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where he rose to the rank of Deputy Chief.
After retiring from the Sheriff’s Department in 2014, he served as an administrative officer for the cities of Carson and Compton, where he grew up. He was appointed Chief of the LAX Police in 2019 and has been overseeing safety at LAX ever since. The Korea Daily met with Rambo at the 2024 Korean Law Enforcement Conference in Las Vegas on October 28.
What is the biggest safety issue at LAX?
“Terrorism. Airports can easily become targets for terrorists. LAX is in the top 10 targets for terrorist groups. We’re not facing any threats related to terrorism right now, but we’re constantly anticipating and training for terrorist attacks.”
What are the issues relevant to airport travelers?
“Like the LAPD, the LAX Police Department addresses homelessness. However, because the airport is a secure facility, we have stricter standards for homelessness. The LAX Police Department does a weekly homeless count. When I first arrived in 2019, there were about 100 people. Now there are fewer than 20. Homeless people are usually found in public areas of the airport, such as the baggage claim area and public restrooms. They can also be found in the bushes around the airport and along the roadways. The LAX Police Department is very committed to addressing homelessness. Mental health staff are on hand, and we’re working with LA City Councilmember Traci Park’s (Council District 11) office and the LA Mayor’s office to explore the possibility of establishing a shelter.”
How many officers currently work at LAX?
“The LAX Police Department has approximately 1,100 officers, including administrative staff. However, the exact number by division or job function is confidential and cannot be disclosed. In addition to the Police Department, the airport is staffed by a number of other law enforcement agencies.”
How is the department operated?
“The LAX Police Department is more diversely divided than one might think. For patrol, we have a general patrol team and a bike patrol team. We also have a Crime Scene Investigation Unit, K-9 Unit, Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Emergency Operations Planning Unit.”
Is there a need for Korean-American officers?
“Of course there is a need. We have a lot of Korean visitors, so it would be nice to have more bilingual Korean officers. The LAX Police Department is constantly hiring bilingual officers. I hope Korean Americans are interested and apply.”
Do you have any specific incidents involving Korean Americans that stand out in your mind?
“Usually if it’s a big case, the LAPD has to contact the Korean Consulate General in LA and ask for cooperation, but we haven’t had anything of that magnitude yet. Most of the time, it’s about lost passports or undocumented immigration.”
Is there any change ahead of the World Cup?
“I don’t think there will be any major changes, but there are plans to increase the number of administrative officers. We will also be paying special attention to human trafficking, including sex trafficking.”
How do you feel about attending the conference?
“I came to the conference looking forward to the mutual cooperation of Korean-American officers. It was not just a simple gathering. We had conversations about various topics that we needed to discuss as law enforcement officers. Attendees shared their knowledge and experience. It was insightful to discuss cases such as the Mandalay Bay shooting in 2017 and exchange opinions on possible incidents that police should be aware of.”
What do you expect from younger Korean-American officers?
“The conference showed me how many Korean-American officers serve across North America and how capable they are. Now it’s time to see more of them in higher ranks. The more Korean-American officers in higher ranks there are, the greater the impact of the Korean-American community will be.”
BY KYEONGJUN KIM, YOONJAE JUNG, HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
