Port Authority Police Command – Port Authority Bus Terminal – New York, NY

Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) – Bus Terminal Command

Agency Overview

The Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) is a unique bi-state law enforcement agency responsible for securing the critical infrastructure that connects New York and New Jersey. This specific command is stationed within the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT), the busiest bus terminal in the world. The officers assigned here are tasked with ensuring the safety of over 200,000 daily commuters, protecting the facility’s extensive physical structure, and maintaining order within this major transportation hub.

Specialized Capabilities

Unlike standard municipal police, the PAPD possesses specialized training for transit-related security. Key operational capabilities at the Bus Terminal include:

• K-9 Units: Highly visible dog teams trained in explosives detection and patrol work to deter and detect threats.
• Counter-Terrorism: A focus on high-visibility tactical patrols and surveillance to protect against security threats in a high-profile target area.
• Emergency Response: Immediate response to medical emergencies, accidents, and public safety incidents occurring within the terminal complex and on the connecting ramps.

Services for Travelers

For the general public and travelers, this command serves as a primary point of contact for security concerns. Services include filing police reports for crimes committed within the terminal, assistance with lost children or vulnerable persons, and general safety information. Note that Lost and Found for items left on buses is handled by the individual bus carriers, while items found in the terminal itself may be turned over to the PAPD or the terminal’s specific Lost and Found office.