HOBOKEN – The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced on Nov. 7 that its Office of Inspector General (OIG) has concluded a previously-announced investigation of an Aug. 23 graduation party of its 113th police recruit class and an ensuing gathering at a bar in Hoboken that evening. The authority’s OIG interviewed more than 100 police officers, customers and staff of the bar, local police officials and others, as well as reviewing relevant videotapes, social media communications, and other electronic messages.
As a result, nine probationary police officers are being terminated, and three additional probationary police officers are suspended for 30 days without pay and will have their probationary status extended for an additional year, according to the PA’s announcement.
In addition, three members of the Port Authority Police Academy staff who attended the events in question and two additional officers not on the academy staff will be subject to disciplinary proceedings; three of those five officers are supervisors.
Media accounts of the launch of the investigation quoted sources as saying the officers were allegedly drunk and rowdy, and that the bar staff called the Hoboken police who in turn notified the Port Authority police.
“This is a sad day for the Port Authority Police Department,” said Patrick Foye, executive director of the Port Authority.”We are extremely disappointed by the conduct of the probationary officers involved and appalled by the poor judgment of the academy staff members in attendance. The Port Authority is justly proud of the history and dedication of its police department and views the conduct in question as deeply troubling.”
In light of these developments and other concerns, the Port Authority said it is examining the entire candidate selection and training process to ensure that every stage is fair, focused and effective in producing officers with the skills and character necessary to carry out the critical mission of the Port Authority Police Department.
The disciplinary actions announced on Friday were recommended by Superintendent Michael Fedorko and Chief Security Officer Joseph Dunne. Commenting on the action announced today, Port Authority Chairman John Degnan said: “Let the message be clear. Sworn police officers will be held to a high standard of conduct befitting their roles. The individuals who faced discipline today represent a very small percentage of a department that has otherwise distinguished itself for competence and valor.”
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