NY/NJ: Port Authority Commences 114th Police Academy Class

The Port Authority on June 20, opened its doors to 102 prospective police officers as part of the agency’s 114th Police Academy class.

After an orientation session last Friday, the probationary officers began a rigorous 23-week training program that has been revised to reflect the most current training methods and available best practices. The academy is located at the Port Authority Technical Center in Jersey City.

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.

The recruits’ course of 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.

“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.”

“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,” added Port Authority Police Department Superintendent Michael Fedorko.

Belfiore said the program is geared toward the continued modernization of the PAPD. 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 that are expected of them as officers representing the department.

“As a result of changes and enhancements we’ve initiated, the training for this year’s class will be much more challenging than in the past,” Belfiore said.