Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) announced on Thursday the selection of David L. Maggard, Jr., a distinguished 30-year law enforcement veteran, as the next Chief of Airport Police Division (APD). Maggard was chosen from more than two dozen candidates after a national search, and succeeds Patrick M. Gannon, who will continue in his role as LAWA Deputy Executive Director, Homeland Security and Public Safety.

Currently LAWA's Assistant Airport Police Chief for Operations, a role he assumed in 2015, Maggard leads nearly 500 airport police officers, 429 airport security officers and 49 airport safety officers in providing comprehensive and specialized public safety services to Los Angeles International (LAX), Van Nuys (VNY) and LA/Ontario International (ONT) airports.

Maggard assumes the position of Airport Police Chief at a time when LAWA is focused on strengthening airport safety and security at all of its airports, in particular LAX, the third busiest in the U.S., seventh busiest in the world. A record number of passengers traveled through LAX in 2016, a number that is expected to exceed 80 million this year. Keeping them, visitors and employees safe has been and remains LAWA's top priority. The new Police Chief assumes responsibility for day to day oversight of more than 1,000 dedicated, respected and mission critical sworn and civilian personnel, while current APD Chief Pat Gannon will continue in his role as LAWA Deputy Executive Director of Homeland Security.

Maggard joined LAWA in November 2015 after 13 years as Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety for the City of Irvine, CA, where he led 450 public safety professionals, implemented an innovative personnel deployment model known as Geographic Based Policing which serves as a model for other jurisdictions, and created a nationally acclaimed Area Traffic Officer program. At VNY, he recently worked with tenants to improve security at the general aviation airport – by addressing safety concerns while enhancing relationships with local law enforcement partners.

"Our national search identified 27 qualified candidates for the Chief of Airport Police position," said LAWA Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint. "After careful, objective and thoughtful deliberation it became clear that Assistant Chief Maggard, with his experience, leadership qualities and innovative approach to policing, was the best candidate."

"I am honored to accept this new assignment and grateful to Deborah Flint, LAWA executive management and the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners for their faith and confidence in my abilities," Maggard said. "I am eager to further strengthen my relationships with the men and women of the Airport Police force, and work closely with them to ensure our airports, passengers, visitors and employees are safe and secure."

A Berkeley native, Maggard's law enforcement career began in 1987 when he joined the University of California Police – Berkeley as a Police Officer. He served as a Sergeant and Lieutenant for the University of California Police – Irvine (1991-95); Lieutenant in the City of Indio, CA, (1995-99); and Captain in the City of Manhattan Beach, CA, (1999-02) prior to joining the City of Irvine as Deputy Chief of Police in 2002.

Maggard holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Long Beach and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned All-America honors in Track and Field. He is a Doctoral candidate in Organizational Leadership at Pepperdine University.

Maggard has occupied leadership positions in numerous law enforcement associations, received more than 20 department and personal awards and his writings have been published by leading law enforcement professional journals.

Maggard officially assumes his new position on September 1, 2016.

For more information visit www.lawa.org.