The Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) operates the Port Authority Police Academy in its headquarters in Jersey City, NJ. The PAPD Academy also operates the PAPD Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter (ARFF) Rescue Training Center at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Jamaica, Queens, NY.
Port Authority Police recruits receive 26 weeks of intensive recruit training in New York and New Jersey law, behavior sciences, police practices and procedures, laws of arrest and court procedures and testimony. They are also trained in rules of evidence, defensive tactics, first aid, firefighting, police patrol, traffic enforcement, firearms training, defensive driving and water safety and rescue. Upon successful completion of the Port Authority Police Academy recruit training Port Authority police officers become sworn police officers in the states of New York and New Jersey. Each year Port Authority police officers return to the Academy for in-service training that includes firearms and first responder requalifications in addition to instructional courses in antiterrorism, behavioral assessment, active shooter and weapons of mass destruction.
Firearms Training Unit (FTU)
The Police Academy operates the Koebel Memorial Police Firearms Training Center in Jersey City, named for Port Authority Police Officer Henry J. Koebel, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on May 26, 1978, while taking enforcement action in the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The state-of-the-art facility includes 18 shooting ports, moveable targets, lights and noise controls, shoot/don’t shoot situations and standard marksmanship and tactical instruction.
Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF)
The PAPD ARFF Rescue Training Center instructs Port Authority police officers who are selected for ARFF Cadre assignments. Once these police officers complete ARFF training they are certified Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters. PAPD ARFF police officers recertify twice annually.
