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of specially trained units such as sniper-suppression teams and special weapons attack teams (SWAT),
which are used during specified emergency situations. The overall purpose of Tactical Forces is to
strengthen the regular patrol force and help the line units meet their goals.
Police Instructors are another example of the varied specializations into which Police Officers may
move. These training officers instruct police recruits in basic phases of police work and in the duties and
responsibilities of the Police Officer. They conduct lectures, discussions, and demonstrations and use
audiovisual materials to teach basic core skills to new personnel. Subject matter of the training sessions
includes criminal law, traffic regulations, human relations, criminal investigation, patrol techniques,
report writing, firearms, and physical training. In addition to training police recruits, Police Instructors
train veteran officers through inservice courses and refresher sessions. Some instructors specialize in one
area of training, and the educational and background qualifications for this position vary among
departments.
Traffic Officers are members of specialized police units whose aim is to produce voluntary obedience
to traffic regulations and to provide maximum mobility of traffic with a minimum of interruption. These
enforcement units operate in preselected locations where high rates of vehicular and pedestrian accidents,
auto thefts, and traffic-law violations occur. Traffic enforcement is closely related to other police
activities because, in many instances, persons stopped for traffic violations are found to be involved in
criminal activities or are fugitives wanted in another jurisdiction.
In addition to the Police Officers who work in local and county police agencies, there are others who
are employed by special-purpose public police forces in many cities throughout the United States. Some
typical examples include park, harbor, airport, sanitation, transit, housing, and port police forces. Some
of these agencies have full peace-officer powers within their limited jurisdictions; others have limited
authority. In New York City, for example, there have been at various times as many as three major public
police forces besides the New York City Police Department itself. These are now or have been the
independent forces of the Port Authority, the New York City Transit Authority, and the New York City
Housing Authority.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police is responsible for policing and providing
security in bus, rail, and air terminals; in tunnels and bridges of the Port Authority; and in any buildings,
properties, or facilities operated by the Port Authority. As the name implies, the Port Authority is a joint
agency of the states of New York and New Jersey. Since the Port Authority is an entity unto itself, its
directors set job descriptions and qualification requirements for all its employees. As is typical of all
police officers, Port Authority Officers enforce the law and apprehend and arrest suspects, using physical
force or firearms if necessary. Other responsibilities include controlling traffic and crowds and handling
emergency situations occurring within their jurisdiction. Because of the bi-state nature of the Port
Authority, the Port Authority Police will always maintain its integrity as a separate police force.
Transit Authority Officers, whether part of an independent Transit Police Department (as they were
until April 1995) or as the Transit Bureau of the New York City Police Department, enforce the law and
provide security services for the New York City Transit System, which includes nearly 500 subway
stations. The officers patrol subway stations, trains, and buses, particularly during the high-crime hours
of 8
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. They apprehend and arrest suspects and use physical force and firearms if necessary
to carry out their duties. The jurisdiction of Transit Authority Officers, even when the police force was
independent, has never been limited to Transit Authority property; these officers have full police powers
to enforce all local and state laws anywhere in New York City. In eras during which the philosophy is that
a dedicated force intensively trained for more limited policing is more effective, the Transit Police
Department is a separate force. In eras during which the philosophy is to cut costs by avoiding duplication
of administrative services and to give greater coverage to "hot spots" by maintaining an integrated,
flexible police force under centralized command, the Transit Police is constituted as a division of the City
Police Department.
