U.S. Backs Use of CHP on Jetliners

Gov. Gray Davis’ plan to put armed Highway Patrol officers on California airliners to protect against terrorists will get the approval of the Bush administration today, it was learned Tuesday.

Under what Davis calls his “safe skies” program, plainclothes CHP officers flying as part of their regular duties will serve as airliner guards until an expanded force of federal sky marshals takes over.

Davis spokesman Steve Maviglio confirmed that Jane Garvey, chief of the Federal Aviation Administration, had approved the plan and informed the governor, who will announce the program today.

Davis, who advanced the idea of CHP officers flying as undercover security shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, said he was pleased that the Bush administration had acted promptly. He said the officers would give the flying public an extra level of comfort.

Sources said the only restrictions the federal government will put on the California plan is that officers can fly only on in-state flights and must be on official business, such as transporting prisoners or traveling for court appearances.

The officers must undergo specialized training in analyzing potentially dangerous situations 30,000 feet above the Earth and reacting appropriately, including how to use firearms in a crowded airplane.

CHP Commissioner D.O. “Spike” Helmick has said that the officers could be on intrastate flights within days of finishing their training. The plan calls for federal experts to train groups of CHP officers who, in turn, will train other officers until the entire 6,700-member force has been taught airliner protection techniques.

Davis administration officials, concerned that the California economy has been hurt by a falloff in tourism since Sept. 11, believe that the presence of armed CHP officers will encourage business executives, vacationers and other travelers to resume their flying habits with renewed confidence.

“We’re trying to give a greater comfort level and keep people safe,” Helmick has said.

At first, Davis’ plan met a mixed reaction. Some critics suggested he was grandstanding in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, but others welcomed the idea as a common-sense innovation. Davis cornered President Bush in Sacramento on Oct. 17 and outlined his plan. Bush seemed interested but noncommittal. Davis took his lobbying to Washington on Oct. 29, meeting with Garvey and Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. They, too, were noncommittal.

The issue arose again Dec. 13, when the governor met with Thomas J. Ridge, the national homeland security director. Finally, Davis took it to Bush again on Jan. 5 when Bush made an appearance in Ontario.

Maviglio said Bush expressed concern that no action had been taken one way or the other. Maviglio said Bush told Davis that he deserved an answer quickly and indicated he would make it happen.