History of the Port Authority Police Detectives

     The rank of Port Authority Detective was first created in 1951 and these Detectives were assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division. The early detectives received training from the FBI Newark Office. Currently Port Authority Detectives receive both basic and advanced criminal investigation courses (CIC) in-house. Specialized and advanced training has been given by various police organizations such as the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, US Customs. The New York State Police and New Jersey State Police have conducted training on the state level. New York City Police Department and NJ County organizations have conducted local training. Some of the courses given included homicide, arson, drug interdiction, and hostage negotiation.

History of the Port Authority Police Detectives Endowment Association

     The current Association has its roots back to 1979 when due to the unique aspect of detective work and management abuses, it was determined by the founding members to form a union of Port Authority Police Detectives. Initially it was a clandestine organization that met in parking lots at various facilities. Its early goals were to protect the members from management abuses and to improve benefits and working conditions for Port Authority Detectives. The Port Authority Employment Relations Panel (PAERP) officially certified the Port Authority Police Detectives Endowment Association as the union representing Port Authority Detectives after a showing of interest and an election vote by Detectives in 1980. The Port Authority Employment Relations Panel (PAERP) is an independent labor relations organization for the employees of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and is similar to New York’s and New Jersey’s PERB and PERC.

     In 1982 the Port Authority Detectives Endowment Association (DEA) was Incorporated in New Jersey as a not for profit organization. Its initial five trustees were Detectives Frank Carlomagno, Louis Echavarria Jr., William Morrison, Lucian Durso and Anthony Cassini Jr.

     In 1984 the DEA became a member in National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) and is currently a member. NAPO is an organization of Police Unions and acts as the national organization and voice regarding national concerns.

     In 1984 the DEA became a member in Police Conference of New York (PCNY) and is currently a member. PCNY is an organization of Police Unions and acts as the organization and voice regarding New York concerns.

     In 1984 the DEA became a member in the Metropolitan Police Conference now known as the New York State Association of PBAs (NYSAPBAs). It no longer belongs to this organization.

     The DEA also became a founding organization of the Port Authority and PATH Employees Labor Council (PAPELC) formed in 1992. This organization is made up representatives of the Unions who represent Port Authority employees. The council acts as a cooperative council that provides support and interchange of information between the various labor organizations. There are currently twelve organizations that belong to the council.