LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Los Angeles Airport Police today announced the appointment of Michael T. Hyams to the position of Assistant Chief of Operations, overseeing sections responsible for patrol, traffic and security at Los Angeles International, LA/Ontario International and Van Nuys (general aviation) airports.
Los Angeles Airport Police Chief George R. Centeno said, "The appointment of Assistant Chief Hyams with his decades of experience in public safety and law enforcement illustrates our commitment to maintaining a world-class police organization to further our primary goal of ensuring the safety and security of travelers, visitors and employees who pass through our airports."
Hyams comes to LAWA after serving as executive director of Judicial Support Services for the Orange County Superior Court, a position he held since 2007. In that capacity, he was responsible for all public safety provided by the court's 315 Sheriff's deputies, and leadership of a professional staff of 300.
Hyams' professional experience also includes more than 30 years in municipal policing with the City of Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD), rising to the rank of captain. While with the NBPD, Hyams served on the executive command staff for 10 years and held senior management and supervisory positions for 21 years. He was responsible for numerous tactical operations and intelligence functions, as well as executive oversight of NBPD's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
As captain, he commanded the Detective, Patrol and Administrative divisions.
His assignments also included nine years as the department's legal advisor and supervising its Professional Standards activities.
After leaving NBPD, he worked a short time for the Los Angeles Police Department's Office of the Inspector General.
Hyams earned a Juris Doctor Degree from Western State College of Law, Irvine; a PhD in Psychology from U.S. International University, San Diego; a Master's Degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University, Malibu; and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Redlands. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Honor Graduate of Class 2-77 of the Los Angeles Police Academy.
Los Angeles Airport Police is the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County with more than 1,200 law enforcement, security and staff personnel. Airport Police is a division of Los Angeles World Airports, the City department that owns and operates three airports in Southern California: Los Angeles International (LAX); LA/Ontario International (ONT) and Van Nuys (VNY).
The Los Angeles World Airports logo is available at
CONTACT: Los Angeles World Airports Marshall Lowe (424) 646-5260
