Port Authority: 11 Supervisors ‘Failed To Oversee' PATH Cops Who Allegedly Missed Patrols

The Port Authority of NY/NJ has added 11 police supervisors to the list of employees facing possible sanctions after dozens of the agency’s officers allegedly “shirked duties” by staying in break rooms and missing patrols while on the clock.

On Tuesday, Port Authority officials stated that the 11 police supervisors – six lieutenants and five sergeants – face disciplinary proceedings for alleged “failure to appropriately oversee officers in the PATH Command to ensure they were properly on patrol or on post.”

The charges follow disciplinary actions taken against 44 Port Authority police officers by the Port Authority’s Inspector General’s Office – most of whom served in the PATH Command – who were accused of improperly being in break rooms when they were supposed to be on patrol or on post.

• See related article: 44 PATH Officers Accused Of Missing Patrols, ‘Shirking Duties’

According to the Port Authority, its PATH Command is responsible for round-the-clock coverage of the PATH system, which serves nearly 80 million passengers annually. The PATH Command patrols seven PATH stations in New Jersey and six PATH stations in Manhattan south of 34th Street.

Port Authority officials released the following statement on Tuesday:

“The investigation that led to the charges against the patrol officers and supervisors began in May 2016 when the Port Authority’s Chief Security Office became aware that numerous officers were off post, which prompted further investigation. This concern was forwarded to the Office of the Inspector General, whose investigation, supported by video evidence, uncovered serious misconduct. The misconduct stemmed from officers failing to perform patrol duties as required during their work shifts, primarily but not limited to the midnight to 8 a.m. shift.”

All 11 cases now move to the next phase of the disciplinary process. To date, none of the cases have been settled, officials said.

• See related article: Port Authority's Heroes Of The Year: NY/NJ Agency Shares Police Stories

Send local news tips and feedback to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Patch file photo