Port Authority Reforms Police Selection Process
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced it is reforming the way it recruits, evaluates and selects cadets for admission to the Port Authority Police Academy.
The Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) is implementing an updated application and testing process to refresh the candidate pool for each authorized police class recruitment. Previously, the candidate list was in place for up to five years to fill all academy classes that were held in that timeframe.
Under the new format, the agency will continually maintain a viable pool of diverse, talented police recruits to fill vacancies created by PAPD retirements or promotions. The application, testing and selection processes have been redesigned to improve efficiency and optimize the candidate experience, and a pre-employment fitness test has been introduced to assess a recruit’s preparedness for successful completion of Academy training.
“This new model demonstrates the agency’s untiring commitment to ensuring the continued strength and integrity of our dedicated police force, the safety of our customers and the security of our transportation facilities,” said Port Authority Acting Chief Security Officer John Bilich.
In addition, the PAPD is updating its website to provide important information to potential recruits in an easily accessible way. The new-and-improved site — PAPD recruitment website — will post essential information about the recruitment process, PAPD career highlights and a “talent network” to enable people interested in joining the department to receive updates and alerts about future recruitment and upcoming Police Academy classes.
“We’re confident that this new program will more effectively and regularly attract and identify those with the skills, drive and commitment to serve as PAPD officers,” said Port Authority Human Capital Chief Mary Lee Hannell.
