Integrity of Customs Officials
The U.S. Customs Service takes strong exception to the South Bay news brief, “Luggage Machines Removed in Dispute” (March 15), regarding the removal of machines used to shrink-wrap plastic around passengers’ luggage at the LAX Tom Bradley International Terminal. The story indicated without attribution that the wrap was intended “to keep baggage handlers and Customs Service officials in the United States and abroad from stealing from travelers’ suitcases.” Speaking only for U.S. Customs, this statement is not supported by the facts.
We are certainly not aware of any case of substantiated allegations of theft by our officers at LAX. We hold all of our employees to the highest standard of honesty and conduct. All allegations of misconduct are investigated and integrity training is an ongoing process that U.S. Customs takes very seriously.
In this instance, the assumption that our officers at LAX are thieves places heavy baggage on their shoulders, which they do not deserve.
AUDREY ADAMS
Port Director
Los Angeles
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