Security: New York/New Jersey
New York/New Jersey: Port Authority Commences 114th Police Academy Class with Emphasis on Updated Instruction and Training Techniques
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey on June 20 welcomed 102 prospective police officers to its 114th Police Academy class.
The academy is located at the Port Authority Technical Center in Jersey City (NJ).
The class of 2016 comprises 84 men and 18 women from New York and New Jersey. Hispanic, African-American and Asian-American candidates make up approximately 35 percent of the new class. Six candidates are U.S. military veterans.
"Our recruits come from a variety of backgrounds, with an array of relevant skills that will help us provide a secure environment for all who use port authority facilities," said Thomas Belfiore, the port authority’s chief security officer. "We’re confident the Police Academy Class of 2016 will prove to be one of our finest and will go on to serve the public with professionalism, courtesy and integrity."
After an orientation session, the probationary officers began a 23-week training program that has been revised to reflect current training methods and available best practices. The training will include a thorough education in New York and New Jersey laws, police procedures and evidence collection. Specialized training in counter-terrorism, firefighting and first aid, including the deployment of defibrillators, are other key aspects of the training process.
This year, as part of its training regimen, each recruit will be given computer tablets and be able to complete assignments and course loads digitally. The curriculum has been updated to be more proactive and emphasize more tactical, interactive and situational training approaches than in past classes. Recruits also will receive extensive training in ethics and integrity standards.
"By incorporating the most up-to-date techniques into our training program, we expect to have the best-prepared class of new officers available for service once they graduate in December," commented Port Authority Police Department Superintendent Michael Fedorko.
With a force of about 1,800 officers, the Port Authority Police Department is responsibility for safety and security at all of the bi-state agency’s facilities, which include four airports, four bi-state bridges and two tunnels, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, the PATH rail system, the regional sea ports in New York and New Jersey and the 16-acre World Trade Center site.