The Port Authority Board of Commissioners heard some startling testimony Monday regarding the state of security at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
A potential breach in the airport’s perimeter, understaffed security on the AirTrain and malfunctioning police radios were among the topics of discussion as officers voiced their concerns to the board.
“One thing I do know is there are not enough police officers out there. Our facilities – they’re not protected,” officer Robert Paulson said.
However, the Port Authority’s Executive Director Chris Ward said $3 billion has been spent on post 9/11 security measures and contends the board is doing all it can to ensure safety, WCBS 880′s Marla Diamond reported.
“We feel that we are allocating our resources appropriately,” Ward said. “I can think of no other public entity within the entire United States which has put that kind of public resources into its facilities.”
Another serious issue raised at the meeting was staffing aboard the airport’s AirTrain, which was used by over 5 million people last year to connect to the subway, Long Island Rail Road and parking lots.
According to Port Authority PBA President Paul Nunziato, there is only one police officer patrolling the AirTrain at any given time.
“Sooner or later, something bad is going to happen,” Nunziato said.
Officers also complained that their radios did not work in the new JetBlue Terminal at JFK.
The Board of Commissioners said the allocation of police resources and staffing levels were part of ongoing discussion.
{WCBS 880/Matzav.com Newscenter}
I protest, hire more awcurity now!
JFK security is also stupid, inconsiderate, and insensitive.
They actually patted down my Mother who is 90, zi zol zein gezunt, when she traveled to Israel last month.