In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has implemented a series of comprehensive measures to enhance security at the agency's facilities.

Initiatives Throughout the Port Authority Since September 11, 2001

• The Port Authority has invested more than $2.3 billion in operating and capital expenditures to enhance security.
• In addition, the Port Authority is implementing a five-year, $500 million capital plan to reinforce security systems and enhance public safety. Initiatives include cutting-edge technology to improve facility surveillance, perimeter security and access restrictions.
• More than 500 Port Authority Police recruits have graduated from the Port Authority Police Academy - significantly increasing the size of the Port Authority Police force. The number of Port Authority Police officers and commanders is the highest in the agency's history.
• Hundreds of security guards have been hired at Port Authority facilities. The Port Authority also has upgraded standards and training for security guards.
• Port Authority Police have instituted an anti-crime hotline number - 800 828-PAPD (7273).
• New York Governor Eliot Spitzer and New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine deploy at their discretion National Guard and State Police to augment Port Authority Police at the bistate agency's facilities.
• The Port Authority has worked in close cooperation with a wide range of local, state and federal law enforcement and counter-terrorism agencies - including Governor Spitzer's Office of Public Security, Governor Corzine's Office of Counter-Terrorism, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Coast Guard and U.S. Customs.

Initiatives at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and Teterboro Airports

• Enhanced Port Authority Police patrols.
• Increased deployment of Port Authority K-9 teams, including explosives-detection teams.
• Restricting vehicles from parking within 300 feet of passenger terminals.
• Further restrictions on vehicle access to secure areas.
• Hardening of airport perimeters.
• Installation of signs inside airports asking the public to report unattended bags and suspicious behavior.
• Pilot programs testing biometric technology to control access to secure areas.
• Expanded criminal background checks for airport workers. Rules developed by the Port Authority for background checks have been implemented at airports across the nation by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.

Initiatives at Port Authority Seaports

• Increased Port Authority Police patrols throughout marine terminal areas.
• Stricter access controls to sensitive areas.
• Enhanced fencing, lighting and CCTV

Initiatives at Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals

• Enhanced Port Authority Police patrols.
• Increased K-9 patrols.
• Enhanced police and civilian staff at critical locations.
• New wireless communications technology, creating faster and more efficient exchange of security information.

Initiatives along the PATH System

• A heightened alert order issued to PATH Police Command, and operation and maintenance employees, for increased scrutiny of public and private areas.
• Increased patrols by Port Authority K-9 teams.
• Enhanced police presence and civilian staff at critical locations.
• Increased frequency of inspections at facilities by security guards.
• Emergency Services Unit officers performing foot patrols throughout the system.
• Enhanced visitor identification checks in restricted areas.
• Increased maintenance and operating staff coverage at facilities.