Airlines, Hotels Join in Flyback Plan for LAX Crime Victims

Airlines, hotels and taxi companies have agreed to provide free transportation and lodging to witnesses and victims who return to Los Angeles to testify against criminals who prey on tourists and other visitors, Los Angeles City Atty. James K. Hahn announced Thursday.

The Victim-Witness Flyback Program is a cooperative effort by 33 airlines, six hotels and the city attorney to stem the growing number of crimes against out-of-towners that often go unprosecuted because prohibitive costs keep witnesses and victims from returning for court proceedings.

Last year, 3,364 crimes were reported at Los Angeles International Airport, many involving visitors to Los Angeles. Forty-two of those cases were dismissed or charges had to be reduced because out-of-town victims or witnesses could not return to testify.

Criminals Lose Advantage

“For a lot of criminals, preying upon tourists is almost a ‘gimmie,’ ” since they know that most people will not return for a trial, Hahn said Thursday at a press conference at Los Angeles International Airport. He added that under the Flyback plan, “criminals in this town will quickly realize they no longer have that advantage.”

The Victim-Witness Flyback Program, a six-month pilot program focusing on the 5.5-square-mile LAX area, is modeled after a similar program in Hawaii. Hahn said the Hawaii program has led to a “dramatic decrease” in crimes against tourists, with only about 100 people needing to be flown back to testify. If the Flyback plan is deemed successful, it would be expanded across the city, spokesman Mike Qualls said.

“Most people plead guilty when they realize the victim and witnesses are going to be there in court,” Hahn said.

Participating in the program are 15 American carriers, including United, Trans World, Continental, Delta and Northwest and Eastern airlines, and 16 foreign carriers that Hahn said will allow anyone in the world to participate in the program if they are victims of crimes.

Offer Rooms, Meals

The Sheraton Plaza La Reina, Los Angeles Airport Hilton and Towers, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, AMFAC, Pacific and Marina del Rey Mariott will all offer rooms and meals for those participating. Taxi service is also provided, Hahn said.

Airport traffic and crime are both on the upswing, according to figures from Hahn’s office. Last year 47.6 million people passed through LAX, 14% more than in 1986. Crimes reported in the airport area jumped 22% from 1986, with 921 arrests.

Most crimes in the area are misdemeanors such as purse and luggage snatchings, pick-pocketing and consumer scams, although Hahn said frequent auto thefts and assaults also are reported.

Even with free air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations and expense allowances, Hahn said, there may be problems with the Flyback program.

Could Postpone Trials

Defense attorneys could postpone cases once victims and witnesses have flown in, forcing them to return home and then fly back, only to have a case postponed again. Hahn said his office is going to be “putting a lot of pressure” on judges not to continue cases once a witness or victim has come to testify.

Hahn also said that despite the accommodations, witness also might be reluctant to lose work time to testify for a misdemeanor offense. “(But) for the most part . . . people do want to see justice done . . . and will want to come and help.”