Is the Port Authority Police Department Necessary?

A debate over the efficiency and necessity of the Port Authority Police Department has spurred after several reports and an op-ed from former State Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff posed the question if it was time to eliminate the department.
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NJTV News with Mary Alice Williams is a week-nightly news program on NJTV covering local New Jersey news as well as a multi-platform, local information source for New Jersey. Be sure to share with us your story ideas, feedback and tips about news in your neighborhood here: bit.ly/1GnSEtn NJTV News with Mary Alice Williams airs every weeknight at 6, 7:30 and 11 p.m. ET on NJTV.

[@Packinheat1175]

Policing is like any other business: when you have one police department (NYPD) that has a monopoly on all policing bad things can happen. Keep both depts because they keep each other honest and productive.

[@kenmccabe4515]

This idea is total B.S. , this commentator probably had a bad experience with the PAPD and has it in for them. The PAPD has been around for 93 years and has done an extraordinary job of protecting and serving the public. The officers are very intelligent highly trained and have to go through a recruitment process that surpasses NYPD ‘s . The Port Authority is very careful and selective to hire the best qualified Officers . I’ve personally known of people being rejected by the Port Authority and then hired by NYPD . Listen , I’m not against the NYPD , I think they are one of the best Police departments in the world but I’m just trying to put tings into perspective here. These guys sacrifice a lot and should be given the recognition they deserve . Ken McCabe 3rd generation retired PAPD.

[@mikhail6746]

Couldn't have said it better.

[@javieranguiano4654]

It seems like they're trying to cut down that cost, why don't they start from the top????, Cut down politicians that just make too too...... Much money, leave the public services alone, there's other ways to make the money worth it.

[@tysontntjones3769]

Port Authority is essential for security of civilians. Let NYPD handle the streets while Port Authority handles the high volume areas. Harbors, airports, tunnels, etc

[@TheEdberberich]

Whut bout muh safety huh heh huh heh huh heh

[@ScoobyDoo44797]

Port Authority works really well with Homeland Security. Especially in the Airports and Harbors where the docks are.

[@FalconzInc]

You know how they're doing their job well? Look at any of the PA assets, (bridge, tunnel, airport)... have there been any attacks recently? I didn't think so. That's how you know they're doing well. Shut up and go home.

[@snowman4008]

keep the papd just give them a contract that's more cost effective for the toll and fare users.

[@BackInService]

Next time there's a Car accident on the bridge or in a tunnel...let's see how long it takes local police to respond to clear it up....4 hours....5 hours??

[@mikrokozm9]

Good tow company indeed. They should stick to that.

[@Michaelbos]

Evidently, he had an issue with a Port Authority officer. Anytime you have too many civilian people running an agency, you have big issues. Ask any long time VA employee. There all the same.

[@danielsalerno6476]

Thay saved my life one's God bless them all

[@edwinpastuizaca1782]

if anything PAPD makes it easier to keep the streets safe as nypd can focus on other spots

[@pateccleston9741]

Hardest Academy in the counrty..2 States,NY/NJ law..PROUD to support PAPD and all law enforcement!!

[@OffBlackKash]

NJ is the hardest overall

[@TheSJ12]

Keep the PAPD..

[@AlladinMclovin2334]

Its really not needed. In NYC when ever something happens at the air ports even if papd is there. Nypd comes and takes over....

[@thomasrizzuto2415]

Yo BK Net's County, it's nice to see you've finally come out of the closet

[@ScoobyDoo44797]

The people who complained about the Port Authority and the Port Authority Police is because the politicians, and news workers and writers make less than the Port Authority Workers. God Bless the Port Authority and their workers and First Responders.

[@bobjohn2000]

While I do think that merging TBTA and port authority would be a good idea to streamline responses and reducing costs because their training is practically the same and jobs are similar, getting rid of them is a terrible idea. The NYPD has its own jobs, and is not going to prioritize a car crash in the Lincoln tunnel over a possible burglary. The PAPD is specialized in what it does, and has unique training and skill sets relating to their jobs. While I do think that the port authority could be made much more efficient, it should not be completely removed.

[@freddyhernandez1371]

Politicians always point finger outside , when in reality they gotta go at each other.

[@allengreene9954]

You really think these guys wanna give up their very well paying jobs, pensions and other perks without a fight??? Think again🤦🏿🤦🏿🤦🏿🤦🏿

[@mikrokozm9]

@@makomaro Not all anyone "deserve" anything. Rephrase or be wrong.

[@Daniel.H.Garavaglia]

3:54 "you can't tell me the PAPD is better trained than the NYPD" ummmm yes they are. They can do aircraft rescues in hostage situations where as NYPD can't or if they can not many trained.

[@snowman4008]

I respect papd but their salary is way to high for what they do.

[@samiullahmir]

No PAPD is not necessary !!!!

[@thomasrizzuto2415]

Hey Sami Mir, I remember you being arrested by a Port Authority Cop recently, guess your still pissed off

[@coreymerricksterling1699]

Don’t forget they patrol the PATH train

[@Danjs112]

"perhaps along with some private security". There is your answer folks. This is about money and using Port authority funds for private gain. Guarantee he has an interest in a private security firm or a friend/relative does PAPD provide a specialist service that local or state simply can't do to the same level. If anything they should put the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor Police in the PAPD too.

[@AlladinMclovin2334]

In NYC I'd get rid of PAPD and Triburough Bridge and Tunnels Police and give it to the NYS Troopers or NYPD.

[@thomasrizzuto2415]

Hey BK Net's County, I'd chalk up your snide little comment to "things an ex-con says"

[@76tennboy]

Why not just join the NYPD and call it good dude! Why do you have to get all butt hurt? 1:15-

[@thomasrizzuto2415]

Hey, Andrew Sidaman Jerkoff, seems it's time for you to pack it in

[@sully10791]

Robert Nesy since you know so much why don't you explain to everyone the laws of the states of New York and New Jersey in detail?

[@CapturedYou]

Waste.

[@ortizdom1962]

Keep paying those high salary PA,no wonder why we are paying some of the highest toll in the country.

[@mikrokozm9]

It's definitely NECESSARY. Do they do their jobs? Sporadically. They are rarely there when they NEED to be, and often overzealous detaining my teenage kids when I am in the restroom. I was told NOT to use the restroom by what I assume was a plainclothes detective who refused numerous requests to show me a badge or ID (for all I know he was a pedophile). I was told anyone under 18 cannot be by themselves for any length of time, even if I am using the restroom or they are. Defund the PA police. NYPD is nearing that with their inept handling of the subway shooting in Brooklyn. Cops are letting their personal feelings & contempt for citizens be quite apparent. Stand your ground, when not under arrest, of course. They aren't always honest or giving legit legal advice. It's important to keep officers honest, like it or not.

[@bluesquire1824]

Give the job to the sheriff

[@vicv9298]

Papd is overpaid for the little things that they do ..and should be shut down turn it over to the nypd and the nj state police better trained hands down!!

[@FalconzInc]

better trained? LOL I wonder how that is possible when they go through the same academies....

[@horge1219]

Papd is a 6 month academy covering both NY and NJ law as well as firefighting duties which is also handled by the police officers in all three of the airports in the ny/no area. How is nypd and njsp better trained?

[@sirhayden5516]

Vic V you say that until there is a terrorist attack in a airport you are inside of. Also, PAPD are also firefighters.

[@janetriggione6637]

Some part of this area were the flags are in the building it looks like we're blue bloods was shoot yes or no if any knows let me know cbs Friday nights 10 pm love this show. Thank you

[@ljmcobra0520]

This is some pretty quality content.