Port Authority Police Chief is Out And Won't Be Replaced

The Port Authority has eliminated the position of Chief of Police of its police department as part of a restructuring effort tied to the World Trade Center renovations.

The Chief-Leader/Pat Arnow CHRISTOPHER TRUCILLO: Mysteriously phased out.

Cites Need for Accountability

PA Executive Director Chris Ward wrote a recent memo to staff outlining the changes, which eliminated Christopher Trucillo's job. "I want to let you know directly that, as part of a restructuring effort to increase operational efficiency and command and control ability, we have eliminated the position of Chief of Police of the Port Authority Police Department," he stated. "This action will ensure a single point of contact at the PAPD and, most importantly, a single point of accountability in the Superintendent of Police."

The Superintendent, Samuel J. Plumeri Jr., who leads the department, is a civilian. Mr. Trucillo was the highest-ranking uniformed officer. "Now that we are moving into the next phase of PAPD operations, especially as it relates to the World Trade Center area, we will need to build a more appropriate structure reflective of these changing times," Mr. Ward wrote to staff. The agency refused to comment further. The Port Authority Police Benevolent Association declined to comment.

Shared Policing

Earlier this month, the Port Authority announced it plans to complete the World Trade Center Memorial Plaza by the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The Freedom Tower, which will cost $3.1 billion, is scheduled to be completed in 2013. While the Port Authority assumed control of the rebuilding process four years ago, the city made an agreement with the authority in July to share policing of the site with the NYPD. The Port Authority maintained primary responsibility for all law enforcement and security activities at the World Trade Center Transportation Hub and its own police personnel.

The Port Authority and the city pledged in July to form a World Trade Center Area security advisory committee to coordinate between the law enforcement agencies.