Who We Are
The Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) is composed of over 2,100 dedicated officers serving across thirteen facilities, committed to protecting and assisting the millions who work and travel throughout NY / NJ region's vital transportation network, operated and maintained by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and empowered with dual-state law enforcement jurisdiction.
As one of the largest transit-related police departments in the world, we safeguard the nation's busiest, most complex system of aviation, land, rail and sea facilities -- an engine of regional growth that supports over 550,000 regional jobs and generates more than $23 billion in wages and $80 billion in economic activity each year.
Hiring Soon! Get Notified When Applications Open.
Join Our Police Recruitment NetworkWhere You'll Serve
The Port Authority is more than the Midtown Bus Terminal. As a member of the PAPD, you protect the bridges, tunnels, seaports, airports, and communities that keep New York and New Jersey moving.
From our region's airways to seaports, the Port Authority Police Department serves and protects the diverse millions of people who visit, work at, and travel through the Port Authority's iconic transportation facilities and structures.
- AIR
- John F. Kennedy International Airport – Undergoing a $19B world-class transformation
- LaGuardia Airport – Recently named Best Airport in America by Forbes Travel Guide
- Newark Liberty International Airport – Recently named Best New Airport Terminal by Skytrax
- Teterboro Airport
- LAND
- World Trade Center Campus – Home to the iconic One World Trade Center
- Bi-state Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals – Some of the busiest land transportation hubs in the world:
- George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Port Authority Bus Terminal, Holland Tunnel, Bayonne Bridge, Goethals Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing
- RAIL
- SEA
- Port Facilities – Among the top 25 busiest shipping ports in the world
What You'll Do
As a Port Authority Police Officer, every day brings meaningful opportunities to serve and protect our region. Among other duties, you will be expected to:
Serve the Public
- Solve problems and determine the best course of action and resources when incidents arise
- Respond quickly to emergencies and administer first-aid
Secure Flow & Safety
- Manage vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow in and around Port Authority facilities
- Enforce criminal and traffic laws
Protect Against Threats
- Patrol assigned posts on foot or vehicle, in uniform or plain clothes, to maintain safety and security of travelers and Port Authority facilities (e.g., PATH Stations, Airports, Tunnels, Bridge Crossings, Seaports, etc.)
- Issue summonses and charges against violators of municipal and state statutes
- Support investigations and testify when required
- Aid in counter-terrorism operations and prevention
How You'll Grow
If you are looking for exciting and diverse career opportunities to serve with honor and integrity, we offer continued training via the Police Academy and promotional pathways into various specialized commands:
- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF)
Responsible for responding to aircraft emergencies, including but not limited to aircraft accidents, extinguishing fuel fires, providing emergency medical aid and handling hazardous materials (HAZMAT).
- Commercial Vehicle Inspection (CVI)
Responsible for safety inspections of commercial vehicles transiting in and around Port Authority facilities. This unit also investigates serious bodily injury / fatalities to prevent future accidents within the Port District.
- Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU)
A Special Operations Division asset that supplements the PAPD patrol units that exceed the traditional methods of policing. The CTU is responsible for providing quick action to mitigate the threat of large-scale incidents involving any Port Authority facility, infrastructure and the surrounding areas.
- Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB)
The bureau oversees criminal investigations within Port Authority facilities to enhance regional security and prevent crime. Duties include: collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and preparing cases for prosecution, and collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, such as the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
- Emergency Service Unit (ESU)
The PAPD Emergency Service Unit is a group of highly trained officers tasked with responding to high-risk scenarios, including high angle rescue requests, special weapons tactics, and high threat dignitary protection details.
- K-9 Unit
Formed in 1984, the K9 unit is comprised of police officers and their canine partners carrying out specialized narcotics or explosive detection. As one of the nation's largest and busiest units, PAPD K9 teams are deployed 24/7 in all Port Authority facilities.
- Police Academy
Conduct and oversees the law enforcement education and training for recruits and active members of service.
- Youth Services Unit (YSU)
Dedicated to combating child human trafficking, reuniting at-risk youth with their guardians, and providing safety and support across Port Authority facilities and surrounding areas.
Moving Up the Ranks
Aspiring to lead? Pursue opportunities to advance through the Detective, Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant, Detective Lieutenant, Commanding Officer ranks, including 3- and 4-star Chief positions.
