Port Authority Police Department
Encyclopedia
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, or Port Authority Police Department (PAPD), is a law enforcement agency
in New York
and New Jersey
, the duties of which are to protect all facilities owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
, and to enforce state and city laws at all the facilities. The PAPD is owned and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
, a bi-state agency running the bridge
s, tunnel
s, airport
s, and seaport in the Port of New York and New Jersey
.The PAPD is the 24th largest police force in the United States.
and Outerbridge Crossing
(then known as the Arthur Kill Bridge).
These original officers were known as Bridgemen, nine of whom were later promoted to the rank of Bridgemaster, or Sergeant.
As the Port Authority facilities increased in number, so did its police force. With the opening of the Holland Tunnel
in 1927, three Metropolitan Airports and a Marine Terminal in the 1940s, the force grew. In the 1950s the Port Authority Bus Terminal
opened. The Port Authority also assumed control of the PATH
system, formerly known as The Hudson and Manhattan Tubes.
, John F. Kennedy International, and LaGuardia Airport
, which handle over 80 million air passengers, over 1.1 million aircraft movements, and over 2.5 million tons of air cargo annually. Policing these aviation facilities involves a wide variety of duties. Police personnel cover screening points, respond to all aircraft incidents, and aid travelers from all parts of the world. Escorting and protecting visiting dignitaries is provided for on a daily basis. The PAPD also patrols the Port Authority-owned Teterboro Airport
in New Jersey, which is much smaller than the other three airports and operates only general aviation aircraft.
The PAPD is also responsible for fire fighting and crash emergency rescue at the three airports and for all other aircraft emergency incidents. Police personnel assigned to fire and rescue duty are highly trained in all phases of these functions including the operation of sophisticated and complex equipment.
, Howland Hook, Port Jersey
, and the Red Hook, Brooklyn
piers include traffic control and the prevention and investigation of cargo thefts. PAPD officers are stationed at all ports.
The department's headquarters is located at the Port Authority Technical Center in Jersey City, New Jersey
.
The nerve center of the force is the Central Police Desk, which is located at Journal Square. It is staffed around-the-clock and is the hub of the communications network. There, personnel are assigned to needed areas, all radio transmissions are monitored, and computer terminals are integrated into the NY & NJ Intelligence and Crime Information Systems as well as the National Crime Information Center
(NCIC) in Washington, D.C.
Information received from these sources is supplied to officers in the field when needed. Approximately 200,000 passengers use the PATH system daily. The system's stations are monitored by closed circuit T.V. to aid police personnel in their patrol.
At the Holland
and Lincoln Tunnel
s, the Bayonne
, Goethals
, and George Washington Bridge
s, and the Outerbridge Crossing
, the duties of PAPD officers are patrol, traffic control, hazardous cargo inspections, truck weigh and emergency services, as well as enforcement for violations of motor vehicle laws. Police at these crossings have also instituted programs that maintain a constant campaign against drunk driving. The Port Authority operates the largest and busiest bus terminal
in the nation, accommodating 57 million bus passengers and over 2.2 million bus movements in 2001. Police assignments demand a broad range of functions, everything from locating lost children to aiding everyday commuters. They are responsible for the general security of the facility utilizing a variety of patrol tactics. Police Officer/Social Worker teams patrol the bus terminal and identify youngsters that may be runaways, throwaways, or missing persons. They provide crisis intervention counseling, placement with social service agencies, and reunions with families when appropriate.
to prevent terrorist activities in the region.
The Port Authority Police Emergency Services Unit was founded in 1983, over the objections of the Port Authority Police management at that time. Working with the non-police PATH railroad personnel and railroad management, who clearly recognized the need for a rapid response to PATH railroad emergencies and fires, a small group of Port Authority Police officers assigned to the PATH command asked for, and got, a stock Port Authority utility truck which was converted for police emergency use. Despite the continued objections of P.A. Police management, the PATH railroad management's goal of having an "Emergency Response Vehicle" operated by the police bore fruit. The initial team members were trained in underground rescue, extrication of passengers from PATH train cars and first aid, with emphasis on the procedure of lifting railroad cars from trapped persons by use of Vetter air bags. Prior to the PATH Emergency Unit, emergencies which occurred on the PATH train were handled by the local police within the jurisdictions around the PATH train (Jersey City, New York, Newark, etc.).
Emergency Services Unit members, who have received specialized training to respond to emergency and rescue operations that arise at Port Authority facilities or in other jurisdictions when their expertise is requested are currently assigned to various facilities throughout the Port Authority. Emergency Services Unit members may receive training in the following areas; animal control, hazardous material response, heavy weapon use, bridge and water rescue and tactical operations.
Noteworthy cases that the Emergency Services Unit has handled or other jurisdictions in handling include:
The Port Authority Police Department formed its K-9 (police dog
) Explosive Detection Unit in the fall of 1996 in response to the crash of TWA Flight 800 off the coast of Long Island that summer. The department subsequently expanded the unit to include a K-9 Narcotics Detection Unit.
The K-9 unit, which consists of 45 police officers, three sergeants, one inspector, and 48 dogs, patrols all Port Authority facilities on a 24-hour basis.
Port Authority Police officers who are members of the K-9 unit must pass a challenging and demanding physical, a physical agility course, participate in a group interview and complete a minimum of 400 hours of K-9 training.
The most popular dog in the unit is the German Shepherd. The unit also has Labradors, a Belgium Shepherd and a Golden Retriever. The dogs are trained to detect either explosives or narcotics, but not both.
The unit currently has 40 dogs trained to detect explosives, including 22 certified by the federal Transportation Security Administration. There are eight dogs trained in narcotics detection.
The K-9 explosive detection teams patrol and search aircraft, airline and cargo buildings, bus terminals, subway stations, vehicles, and unattended luggage and packages. The K-9 narcotic detection teams patrol and perform a variety of searches at Port Authority facilities and are also used by many other government agencies.
This unit experienced what might be the first loss ever of an American police dog due to international terrorism when Sirius http://www.portauthoritypolicememorial.org/sirius.htm, PAPD Badge #17, died in the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
The Port Authority Police Department operates a motorcycle unit that consists of a sergeant and 13 police officers.
The unit is responsible for patrolling Port Authority tunnels and bridges, with the primary duties of traffic enforcement, truck checks, VIP movements and funeral details.
Each member of the unit is assigned his own motorcycle. Before joining the unit, each member must complete the Northwestern University/Harley Davidson Police Officer Training Program.
The original motorcycle unit was disbanded back in 1956 after Police Officer James Calandra was struck and killed while on motorcycle patrol.
The facility, one of the largest of its kind in the nation, is used to train Port Authority Police officers in aircraft rescue and firefighting techniques. It allows officers to train for emergency situations in a controlled environment.
The centerpiece of the training center is a 125 feet (38.1 m) pit that uses clean-burning propane to simulate a fire. It also features a 75 feet (22.9 m)-long aircraft mockup with a broken wing section. Computer controls allow for the creation of firefighting scenarios that vary in size, difficulty and intensity.
Each year, more than 600 Port Authority officers are cross-trained as aircraft rescue firefighters for the region's three major airports - John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, and LaGuardia airports.
Port Authority Police assigned to aircraft rescue and firefighting undergo rigorous training twice a year to achieve and maintain Federal Aviation Administration certification.
helicopters is expected to net over $8 million.
During an eight-month review period from August 2008 through April 2009, the choppers made 258 flights, 228 of which were security patrols of Port Authority-operated airports, bridges, tunnels, and other properties. Not a single unusual incident was spotted during these patrols, according to a Wall Street Journal report. One flight was made in response to the US Airways 1549 “Miracle on the Hudson”
incident, but the New York City Police Department waved off the PAPD’s assistance. Other flights were made to take aerial photos of facilities. The review also discovered that the Port Authority was the only airport operator in the U.S. to use patrol helicopters.
Throughout their careers, Port Authority Police officers return to the Academy both for refresher courses and for training in new techniques added to the curriculum.
The Koebel Memorial Police Firearms Training Center is dedicated to the memory of Police Officer Henry J. Koebel, who was killed in the line of duty in May 1978. The Police Academy utilizes state-of-the-art equipment where the staff operates eighteen shooting ports within this computerized firearms training facility. Features include moveable target lights and noise controls, shoot/don't shoot situations, as well as standard marksmanship instruction.
Promotion to the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and captain are made via competitive civil service examinations. Promotion to detective and the higher ranks is at the discretion of the police commissioner.
, make arrests, use physical and deadly force, carry and use firearm
s, carry and use handcuffs
, and issue summons
es.
All Port Authority Police officers are equipped with a firearm
, expandable baton, can of pepper spray
, handcuffs
, whistle
, flashlight
, bullet resistant vest, and a radio that is directly linked to the Central Dispatcher and other Port Authority officers.
Currently, the department utilizes numerous vehicles in its fleet including Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
s, Chevrolet Impalas, Chevrolet Suburban
s, Dodge Chargers, and Harley Davidson motorcycles
. The department also utilizes numerous boats
.
The PAPD is one of the highest paid police forces in the northeastern United States, thus making it one of the most coveted law enforcement jobs in the region. Under the current contract, the starting salary of police officer is $32,361, and after five years of service, the salary is $90,000, not including promotions or overtime.
With such a high salary, the PAPD has attracted many officers from neighboring departments, most specifically officers from the New York City Police Department
.
complex was the target of terrorist attacks. On September 11, 2001, the complex was the target of terrorist attacks
for a second time.
The complex housed over 50,000 employees and accommodated 70,000 visitors per day; the efforts of the Port Authority Police, the New York City Police, the New York City Fire Department
, New York City EMS, New York State Court Officers
, Federal Agents along with countless others helped to minimize the loss of life. The Port Authority Police suffered the worst loss of police personnel in a single event in American history: 37 police officers along with one police K-9 were killed on September 11.
Image:Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.jpg
Image:P200086B.jpg
Law enforcement agency
In North American English, a law enforcement agency is a government agency responsible for the enforcement of the laws.Outside North America, such organizations are called police services. In North America, some of these services are called police while others have other names In North American...
in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
and New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, the duties of which are to protect all facilities owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a bi-state port district, established in 1921 through an interstate compact, that runs most of the regional transportation infrastructure, including the bridges, tunnels, airports, and seaports, within the Port of New York and New Jersey...
, and to enforce state and city laws at all the facilities. The PAPD is owned and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a bi-state port district, established in 1921 through an interstate compact, that runs most of the regional transportation infrastructure, including the bridges, tunnels, airports, and seaports, within the Port of New York and New Jersey...
, a bi-state agency running the bridge
Bridge
A bridge is a structure built to span physical obstacles such as a body of water, valley, or road, for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle...
s, tunnel
Tunnel
A tunnel is an underground passageway, completely enclosed except for openings for egress, commonly at each end.A tunnel may be for foot or vehicular road traffic, for rail traffic, or for a canal. Some tunnels are aqueducts to supply water for consumption or for hydroelectric stations or are sewers...
s, airport
Airport
An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
s, and seaport in the Port of New York and New Jersey
Port of New York and New Jersey
The Port of New York and New Jersey comprises the waterways in the estuary of the New York-Newark metropolitan area with a port district encompassing an approximate area within a radius of the Statue of Liberty National Monument...
.The PAPD is the 24th largest police force in the United States.
History
The Port Authority Police Department was created in June 1928 when 40 men were selected to police the Goethals BridgeGoethals Bridge
The Goethals Bridge connects Elizabeth, New Jersey to Staten Island , near the Howland Hook Marine Terminal, Staten Island, New York over the Arthur Kill. Operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the span was one of the first structures built by the authority...
and Outerbridge Crossing
Outerbridge Crossing
The Outerbridge Crossing is a cantilever bridge which spans the Arthur Kill. The "Outerbridge", as it is commonly known, connects Perth Amboy, New Jersey, with the New York City borough of Staten Island and carries NY-440 and NJ-440, each road ending at the respective state border.The bridge was...
(then known as the Arthur Kill Bridge).
These original officers were known as Bridgemen, nine of whom were later promoted to the rank of Bridgemaster, or Sergeant.
As the Port Authority facilities increased in number, so did its police force. With the opening of the Holland Tunnel
Holland Tunnel
The Holland Tunnel is a highway tunnel under the Hudson River connecting the island of Manhattan in New York City with Jersey City, New Jersey at Interstate 78 on the mainland. Unusual for an American public works project, it is not named for a government official, politician, or local hero or...
in 1927, three Metropolitan Airports and a Marine Terminal in the 1940s, the force grew. In the 1950s the Port Authority Bus Terminal
Port Authority Bus Terminal
The Port Authority Bus Terminal is the main gateway for interstate buses into Manhattan in New York City...
opened. The Port Authority also assumed control of the PATH
Port Authority Trans-Hudson
PATH, derived from Port Authority Trans-Hudson, is a rapid transit railroad linking Manhattan, New York City with Newark, Harrison, Hoboken and Jersey City in metropolitan northern New Jersey...
system, formerly known as The Hudson and Manhattan Tubes.
Airports
The PAPD protects three major airports; Newark Liberty International AirportNewark Liberty International Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport , first named Newark Metropolitan Airport and later Newark International Airport, is an international airport within the city limits of both Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States...
, John F. Kennedy International, and LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport is an airport located in the northern part of Queens County on Long Island in the City of New York. The airport is located on the waterfront of Flushing Bay and Bowery Bay, and borders the neighborhoods of Astoria, Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst. The airport was originally...
, which handle over 80 million air passengers, over 1.1 million aircraft movements, and over 2.5 million tons of air cargo annually. Policing these aviation facilities involves a wide variety of duties. Police personnel cover screening points, respond to all aircraft incidents, and aid travelers from all parts of the world. Escorting and protecting visiting dignitaries is provided for on a daily basis. The PAPD also patrols the Port Authority-owned Teterboro Airport
Teterboro Airport
Teterboro Airport is a general aviation relief airport located in the Boroughs of Teterboro, Moonachie, and Hasbrouck Heights in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. It is owned and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey...
in New Jersey, which is much smaller than the other three airports and operates only general aviation aircraft.
The PAPD is also responsible for fire fighting and crash emergency rescue at the three airports and for all other aircraft emergency incidents. Police personnel assigned to fire and rescue duty are highly trained in all phases of these functions including the operation of sophisticated and complex equipment.
Marine terminals
Police operations at Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine TerminalPort Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal
Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal is a major component of the Port of New York and New Jersey. Located on the Newark Bay it serves as the principal container ship facility for goods entering and leaving New York-Newark metropolitan area, and the northeastern quadrant of North America...
, Howland Hook, Port Jersey
Port Jersey
Port Jersey is an intermodal freight transport facility that includes a container terminal located on the Upper New York Bay in the Port of New York and New Jersey. The municipal border of the Hudson County, New Jersey cities of Jersey City and Bayonne runs along the long pier extending into the bay...
, and the Red Hook, Brooklyn
Red Hook, Brooklyn
Red Hook is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, USA. The neighborhood is part of Brooklyn Community Board 6. It is also the location where the transatlantic liner, the , docks in New York City.- History :...
piers include traffic control and the prevention and investigation of cargo thefts. PAPD officers are stationed at all ports.
Structure
Jersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City is the seat of Hudson County, New Jersey, United States.Part of the New York metropolitan area, Jersey City lies between the Hudson River and Upper New York Bay across from Lower Manhattan and the Hackensack River and Newark Bay...
.
The nerve center of the force is the Central Police Desk, which is located at Journal Square. It is staffed around-the-clock and is the hub of the communications network. There, personnel are assigned to needed areas, all radio transmissions are monitored, and computer terminals are integrated into the NY & NJ Intelligence and Crime Information Systems as well as the National Crime Information Center
National Crime Information Center
The National Crime Information Center is the United States' central database for tracking crime-related information. Since 1967, the NCIC has been maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Criminal Justice Information Services Division, and is interlinked with similar systems that each...
(NCIC) in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
Information received from these sources is supplied to officers in the field when needed. Approximately 200,000 passengers use the PATH system daily. The system's stations are monitored by closed circuit T.V. to aid police personnel in their patrol.
At the Holland
Holland Tunnel
The Holland Tunnel is a highway tunnel under the Hudson River connecting the island of Manhattan in New York City with Jersey City, New Jersey at Interstate 78 on the mainland. Unusual for an American public works project, it is not named for a government official, politician, or local hero or...
and Lincoln Tunnel
Lincoln Tunnel
The Lincoln Tunnel is a long tunnel under the Hudson River, connecting Weehawken, New Jersey and the borough of Manhattan in New York City.-History:...
s, the Bayonne
Bayonne Bridge
The Bayonne Bridge is the fourth longest steel arch bridge in the world, and was the longest in the world at the time of its completion. It connects Bayonne, New Jersey with Staten Island, New York, spanning the Kill Van Kull. Despite popular belief, it is not a national landmark.The bridge was...
, Goethals
Goethals Bridge
The Goethals Bridge connects Elizabeth, New Jersey to Staten Island , near the Howland Hook Marine Terminal, Staten Island, New York over the Arthur Kill. Operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the span was one of the first structures built by the authority...
, and George Washington Bridge
George Washington Bridge
The George Washington Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Hudson River, connecting the Washington Heights neighborhood in the borough of Manhattan in New York City to Fort Lee, Bergen County, New Jersey. Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1/9 cross the river via the bridge. U.S...
s, and the Outerbridge Crossing
Outerbridge Crossing
The Outerbridge Crossing is a cantilever bridge which spans the Arthur Kill. The "Outerbridge", as it is commonly known, connects Perth Amboy, New Jersey, with the New York City borough of Staten Island and carries NY-440 and NJ-440, each road ending at the respective state border.The bridge was...
, the duties of PAPD officers are patrol, traffic control, hazardous cargo inspections, truck weigh and emergency services, as well as enforcement for violations of motor vehicle laws. Police at these crossings have also instituted programs that maintain a constant campaign against drunk driving. The Port Authority operates the largest and busiest bus terminal
Port Authority Bus Terminal
The Port Authority Bus Terminal is the main gateway for interstate buses into Manhattan in New York City...
in the nation, accommodating 57 million bus passengers and over 2.2 million bus movements in 2001. Police assignments demand a broad range of functions, everything from locating lost children to aiding everyday commuters. They are responsible for the general security of the facility utilizing a variety of patrol tactics. Police Officer/Social Worker teams patrol the bus terminal and identify youngsters that may be runaways, throwaways, or missing persons. They provide crisis intervention counseling, placement with social service agencies, and reunions with families when appropriate.
Criminal Investigations Bureau
The Criminal Investigations Bureau consists of over 100 detectives and supervisors that are specifically trained for crimes occurring at transportation facilities. During the past year the Criminal Investigations Bureau has worked on computerized airline ticket fraud, and property and drug interdictions. They have seized over 10 million dollars of goods including 35 kilograms of narcotics. Additionally, the Criminal Investigations Bureau has worked cooperatively with Local, State, and Federal agencies in the fight against crime. Some of these agencies include the New Jersey State Police, the New York City Police Department, United States Customs and Border Patrol and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency. Members of the Criminal Investigations Bureau also work as part of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task ForceJoint Terrorism Task Force
A Joint Terrorism Task Force is a partnership between various U.S. law enforcement agencies that is charged with taking action against terrorism, which includes the investigation of crimes such as wire fraud and identity theft...
to prevent terrorist activities in the region.
Emergency Services Unit
Emergency Services Unit members, who have received specialized training to respond to emergency and rescue operations that arise at Port Authority facilities or in other jurisdictions when their expertise is requested are currently assigned to various facilities throughout the Port Authority. Emergency Services Unit members may receive training in the following areas; animal control, hazardous material response, heavy weapon use, bridge and water rescue and tactical operations.
Noteworthy cases that the Emergency Services Unit has handled or other jurisdictions in handling include:
- The collapse of the World Trade CenterWorld Trade CenterThe original World Trade Center was a complex with seven buildings featuring landmark twin towers in Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. The complex opened on April 4, 1973, and was destroyed in 2001 during the September 11 attacks. The site is currently being rebuilt with five new...
on September 11, 2001 - The 1993 World Trade Center bombing
- The rescue of an emotionally disturbed person from a water tower in West New York, New JerseyWest New York, New JerseyWest New York is a town in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States, situated upon the New Jersey Palisades. As of the 2010 United States Census, the town population was 49,708.-Geography:...
. - A General AviationGeneral aviationGeneral aviation is one of the two categories of civil aviation. It refers to all flights other than military and scheduled airline and regular cargo flights, both private and commercial. General aviation flights range from gliders and powered parachutes to large, non-scheduled cargo jet flights...
crash in the City of Newark - The rescue of homeowners in Bound Brook, N.J. trapped by rising floodwaters caused by Hurricane FloydHurricane FloydHurricane Floyd was the sixth named storm, fourth hurricane, and third major hurricane in the 1999 Atlantic hurricane season. Floyd triggered the third largest evacuation in US history when 2.6 million coastal residents of five states were ordered from their homes as it approached...
in 1999 - A ceiling collapse at the Journal Square Transportation Center
- Water rescues from the PATH system in 1992
- A NJ Transit train accident in the Hackensack Meadowlands in 1996
K-9 Unit
The Port Authority Police Department formed its first K-9 unit with three patrol dogs; Prince, Bear, and Rex, and three police officer handlers in September 1985. There were two assigned to PATH and one assigned to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. They were trained by the NYC Transit Police K-9 unit located in Brooklyn N.Y. They began patrol in December 1985.The Port Authority Police Department formed its K-9 (police dog
Police dog
A police dog, often referred to as a "K-9 dog" in some areas , is a dog that is trained specifically to assist police and other law-enforcement personnel in their work...
) Explosive Detection Unit in the fall of 1996 in response to the crash of TWA Flight 800 off the coast of Long Island that summer. The department subsequently expanded the unit to include a K-9 Narcotics Detection Unit.
The K-9 unit, which consists of 45 police officers, three sergeants, one inspector, and 48 dogs, patrols all Port Authority facilities on a 24-hour basis.
Port Authority Police officers who are members of the K-9 unit must pass a challenging and demanding physical, a physical agility course, participate in a group interview and complete a minimum of 400 hours of K-9 training.
The most popular dog in the unit is the German Shepherd. The unit also has Labradors, a Belgium Shepherd and a Golden Retriever. The dogs are trained to detect either explosives or narcotics, but not both.
The unit currently has 40 dogs trained to detect explosives, including 22 certified by the federal Transportation Security Administration. There are eight dogs trained in narcotics detection.
The K-9 explosive detection teams patrol and search aircraft, airline and cargo buildings, bus terminals, subway stations, vehicles, and unattended luggage and packages. The K-9 narcotic detection teams patrol and perform a variety of searches at Port Authority facilities and are also used by many other government agencies.
This unit experienced what might be the first loss ever of an American police dog due to international terrorism when Sirius http://www.portauthoritypolicememorial.org/sirius.htm, PAPD Badge #17, died in the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Motorcycle Unit
The unit is responsible for patrolling Port Authority tunnels and bridges, with the primary duties of traffic enforcement, truck checks, VIP movements and funeral details.
Each member of the unit is assigned his own motorcycle. Before joining the unit, each member must complete the Northwestern University/Harley Davidson Police Officer Training Program.
The original motorcycle unit was disbanded back in 1956 after Police Officer James Calandra was struck and killed while on motorcycle patrol.
Firefighting and Crash Emergency
In June 1998, the Port Authority Police Department opened a state-of-the-art Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Fuel Spill Trainer Facility at John F. Kennedy International Airport.The facility, one of the largest of its kind in the nation, is used to train Port Authority Police officers in aircraft rescue and firefighting techniques. It allows officers to train for emergency situations in a controlled environment.
The centerpiece of the training center is a 125 feet (38.1 m) pit that uses clean-burning propane to simulate a fire. It also features a 75 feet (22.9 m)-long aircraft mockup with a broken wing section. Computer controls allow for the creation of firefighting scenarios that vary in size, difficulty and intensity.
Each year, more than 600 Port Authority officers are cross-trained as aircraft rescue firefighters for the region's three major airports - John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, and LaGuardia airports.
Port Authority Police assigned to aircraft rescue and firefighting undergo rigorous training twice a year to achieve and maintain Federal Aviation Administration certification.
Aviation Unit
After undertaking a study, the PAPD in July 2010 decided to disband its aviation unit, elimination of which will save an estimated $4 million annually in labor, fuel and maintenance costs. In addition, selling the fleet’s two Sikorsky S-76Sikorsky S-76
The Sikorsky S-76 is an American medium-size commercial utility helicopter. The S-76 is powered by two turboshaft engines, which drive both the main and tail rotors, each with four blades...
helicopters is expected to net over $8 million.
During an eight-month review period from August 2008 through April 2009, the choppers made 258 flights, 228 of which were security patrols of Port Authority-operated airports, bridges, tunnels, and other properties. Not a single unusual incident was spotted during these patrols, according to a Wall Street Journal report. One flight was made in response to the US Airways 1549 “Miracle on the Hudson”
US Airways Flight 1549
US Airways Flight 1549 was US Airways' scheduled domestic commercial passenger flight from LaGuardia Airport in New York City to Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, Charlotte, North Carolina...
incident, but the New York City Police Department waved off the PAPD’s assistance. Other flights were made to take aerial photos of facilities. The review also discovered that the Port Authority was the only airport operator in the U.S. to use patrol helicopters.
Training
Recruits typically receive 25 weeks of intensive training at the Port Authority Police Academy, which is located in Jersey City, NJ, with a Regional Training Center located at Kennedy Airport. Training given to recruits includes New York and New Jersey law, behavioral sciences, public relations, police practices and procedures, laws of arrest, court procedures and testimony. They are also trained in rules of evidence, defensive tactics, first aid, fire fighting, police patrol and traffic duty, firearms training, defensive and pursuit driving, water safety and rescue.Throughout their careers, Port Authority Police officers return to the Academy both for refresher courses and for training in new techniques added to the curriculum.
The Koebel Memorial Police Firearms Training Center is dedicated to the memory of Police Officer Henry J. Koebel, who was killed in the line of duty in May 1978. The Police Academy utilizes state-of-the-art equipment where the staff operates eighteen shooting ports within this computerized firearms training facility. Features include moveable target lights and noise controls, shoot/don't shoot situations, as well as standard marksmanship instruction.
Rank structure
There are ten sworn titles (referred to as ranks) in the Port Authority Police Department:| Title | Insignia | Uniform Shirt Color |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Chief |  |
|
| Assistant Chief |  |
|
| Inspector Inspector Inspector is both a police rank and an administrative position, both used in a number of contexts. However, it is not an equivalent rank in each police force.- Australia :... |
 |
|
| Captain Police captain - France :France uses the rank of capitaine for management duties in both uniformed and plain-clothed policing. The rank comes senior to lieutenant and junior to commandant.... |
||
| Detective Lieutenant Lieutenant Lieutenant A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank... |
 |
|
| Detective Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent.... |
||
| Detective Police Officer Police officer A police officer is a warranted employee of a police force... |
 |
Promotion to the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and captain are made via competitive civil service examinations. Promotion to detective and the higher ranks is at the discretion of the police commissioner.
Power and authority
Port Authority Police officers are classified as police officers in New Jersey and as New York State police officers under paragraph e, subdivision of the state Criminal Procedure Law. With the status of police officer, they are permitted to serve warrantsWarrant (law)
Most often, the term warrant refers to a specific type of authorization; a writ issued by a competent officer, usually a judge or magistrate, which permits an otherwise illegal act that would violate individual rights and affords the person executing the writ protection from damages if the act is...
, make arrests, use physical and deadly force, carry and use firearm
Firearm
A firearm is a weapon that launches one, or many, projectile at high velocity through confined burning of a propellant. This subsonic burning process is technically known as deflagration, as opposed to supersonic combustion known as a detonation. In older firearms, the propellant was typically...
s, carry and use handcuffs
Handcuffs
Handcuffs are restraint devices designed to secure an individual's wrists close together. They comprise two parts, linked together by a chain, a hinge, or rigid bar. Each half has a rotating arm which engages with a ratchet that prevents it from being opened once closed around a person's wrist...
, and issue summons
Summons
Legally, a summons is a legal document issued by a court or by an administrative agency of government for various purposes.-Judicial summons:...
es.
Equipment and vehicles
Firearm
A firearm is a weapon that launches one, or many, projectile at high velocity through confined burning of a propellant. This subsonic burning process is technically known as deflagration, as opposed to supersonic combustion known as a detonation. In older firearms, the propellant was typically...
, expandable baton, can of pepper spray
Pepper spray
Pepper spray, also known as OC spray , OC gas, and capsicum spray, is a lachrymatory agent that is used in riot control, crowd control and personal self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears...
, handcuffs
Handcuffs
Handcuffs are restraint devices designed to secure an individual's wrists close together. They comprise two parts, linked together by a chain, a hinge, or rigid bar. Each half has a rotating arm which engages with a ratchet that prevents it from being opened once closed around a person's wrist...
, whistle
Whistle
A whistle or call is a simple aerophone, an instrument which produces sound from a stream of forced air. It may be mouth-operated, or powered by air pressure, steam, or other means...
, flashlight
Flashlight
A flashlight is a hand-held electric-powered light source. Usually the light source is a small incandescent lightbulb or light-emitting diode...
, bullet resistant vest, and a radio that is directly linked to the Central Dispatcher and other Port Authority officers.
Currently, the department utilizes numerous vehicles in its fleet including Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
Though the name has been officially in use since 1992, the 1978–1991 full-size LTDs and LTD Crown Victorias and 1992 updated body style used the "P72" production code designation for both fleet/taxi and police models, with the model itself being internally classified as S...
s, Chevrolet Impalas, Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet offered a station wagon body, built on the 1/2 ton truck frame. This model was specifically built for National Guard units and Civilian Conservation Corps units. Much of the body was constructed from wood, and could seat up to eight occupants....
s, Dodge Chargers, and Harley Davidson motorcycles
Police motorcycle
A police motorcycle is a motorcycle used by various police forces and departments. They may be custom designed to meet the requirements unique of a particular use. A police motorcycle is often called a "motor" by police officers in the United States...
. The department also utilizes numerous boats
Police boat
Police watercraft are boats or other vessels that are used by police agencies to patrol bodies of water. They are usually employed on major rivers, in enclosed harbors near cities or in places where a stronger presence than that offered by the Harbourmaster or Coast Guard is needed.Police boats...
.
Salary
With such a high salary, the PAPD has attracted many officers from neighboring departments, most specifically officers from the New York City Police Department
New York City Police Department
The New York City Police Department , established in 1845, is currently the largest municipal police force in the United States, with primary responsibilities in law enforcement and investigation within the five boroughs of New York City...
.
Line of Duty Deaths
Since the establishment of the Port Authority Police Department, 45 officers plus one police K-9 have died in the line-of-duty since 1951. 37 officers died September 11, 2001, including a K-9. 82% of the line-of-duty deaths for the entire history of the department occurred on September 11.| Officer's Name | End Of Watch | Cause Of Death |
|---|---|---|
| Patrolman Charles Kessler | |
Accidental |
| Police Officer James Calandra | |
Motorcycle Accident |
| Police Officer Hitler M. Mcleod | |
Gunfire |
| Police Officer Bertram Winkler | |
Heart Attack |
| Police Officer Arthur M. Ansert | |
Vehicular Assault |
| Police Officer Henry J. Koebel | |
Gunfire |
| Police Officer William J. Perry | |
Gunfire |
| Police Officer Scott R. Parker | |
Gunfire |
| Police Officer David P. Lemagne | |
Terrorist Attack September 11, 2001 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation... |
| Chief James Romito | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Richard Rodriguez | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Captain Kathy Mazza | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Liam Callahan | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer James Lynch | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Director Of Public Safety Fred V. Morrone | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer James Nelson | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Uhuru Gonja Houston | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Clinton Davis | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Alfonse Niedermeyer | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Paul Laszczynski | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Nathaniel Webb | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer John Lennon | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer George Howard | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Michael Wholey | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Inspector Anthony Infante | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Lieutenant Robert Cirri | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Kenneth Tietjen | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer John Levi | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Thomas Gorman | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Dominick Pezzulo | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Antonio Rodrigues | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Sergeant Robert Kaulfers | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Donald McIntyre | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Donald Foreman | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Christopher Amoroso | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Walter McNeil | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Maurice Barry | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Joseph Navas | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer James Parham | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Walwyn Stuart | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Bruce Reynolds | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer John Skala | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Gregg Froehner | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Stephen Huczko Jr. | |
Terrorist Attack |
| Police Officer Paul Jurgens | |
Terrorist Attack |
| K-9 Sirius | |
Terrorist Attack |
Terrorist attacks
On February 26, 1993 the Port Authority's World Trade CenterWorld Trade Center
The original World Trade Center was a complex with seven buildings featuring landmark twin towers in Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. The complex opened on April 4, 1973, and was destroyed in 2001 during the September 11 attacks. The site is currently being rebuilt with five new...
complex was the target of terrorist attacks. On September 11, 2001, the complex was the target of terrorist attacks
September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
for a second time.
The complex housed over 50,000 employees and accommodated 70,000 visitors per day; the efforts of the Port Authority Police, the New York City Police, the New York City Fire Department
New York City Fire Department
The New York City Fire Department or the Fire Department of the City of New York has the responsibility for protecting the citizens and property of New York City's five boroughs from fires and fire hazards, providing emergency medical services, technical rescue as well as providing first response...
, New York City EMS, New York State Court Officers
New York State Court Officers
New York State Court Officers are law enforcement officers who provide police services to the New York State Unified Court System, and enforce state and city laws at all facilities operated by the New York State Unified Court System.- Training :...
, Federal Agents along with countless others helped to minimize the loss of life. The Port Authority Police suffered the worst loss of police personnel in a single event in American history: 37 police officers along with one police K-9 were killed on September 11.
Chart of Port Authority police officers killed on 9/11/01
Image:Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.jpg
Image:P200086B.jpg
See also
- List of law enforcement agencies in New Jersey
- List of law enforcement agencies in New York
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police
- New Jersey Transit Police DepartmentNew Jersey Transit Police DepartmentThe New Jersey Transit Police Department is a transit police force for the New Jersey Transit Corporation in the state of New Jersey...
- New York City Police DepartmentNew York City Police DepartmentThe New York City Police Department , established in 1845, is currently the largest municipal police force in the United States, with primary responsibilities in law enforcement and investigation within the five boroughs of New York City...
- Port Authority of New York and New JerseyPort Authority of New York and New JerseyThe Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a bi-state port district, established in 1921 through an interstate compact, that runs most of the regional transportation infrastructure, including the bridges, tunnels, airports, and seaports, within the Port of New York and New Jersey...