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LAX Police Chief Slams Media Leaks On Security Lapses

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The police chief for Los Angeles International Airport is warning department officials of civil — and potentially even criminal — penalties for leaking information to the media, according to a letter obtained exclusively by KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO.

The two-page memo from LAX police chief George Centeno appears to be an effort to prepare the department for the release of the results of a special Blue Ribbon panel investigation of safety and security at the airport.

KNX 1070's Charles Feldman reports the probe was the outcome of a series of potential hazards he uncovered in an investigation earlier this year.

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In the letter, Centeno criticizes those in the department who he claims leaked sensitive information and warns that anyone caught doing so could face civil penalties.

A KNX 1070 investigation in December 2010 showed a number of security lapses at the airport, including on-duty airport police doing crossword puzzles to obstructed safety exits.

According to Feldman, the vast majority of leaks referred to by Centeno were on issues that proved embarrassing to the airport's claims to be among the safest in the world.

As of Monday afternoon, KNX 1070 had not received any comment from Centeno.

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