JERSEY CITY, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy, along with Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan, announced a significant change in port security enforcement within New Jersey. As of July 17, the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Port Security Section (PSS) has officially taken over the regulatory and law enforcement duties previously handled by the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor (WCNYH).
The WCNYH, established in 1953 through a bi-state compact between New Jersey and New York, has been responsible for various port-related tasks. However, due to evolving needs in the Port and changes in legislation, New Jersey decided to leave the compact in 2018. This decision led to a five-year legal battle, which concluded in April 2023 with the United States Supreme Court unanimously affirming New Jersey’s right to withdraw from the Commission unilaterally.
Following the court’s ruling, the Murphy Administration worked closely with New York State officials to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities with minimal impact on the Port’s day-to-day operations
. The New Jersey State Police has now assumed administrative, regulatory, and law enforcement tasks that the WCNYH previously handled.
These tasks include mandatory employment licensing for waterfront workers and conducting law enforcement investigations at the Port.
Governor Murphy expressed his commitment to modernizing the Port’s regulatory structure and replacing the outdated Waterfront Commission.
He acknowledged the efforts that led to this transition and praised the New Jersey State Police for taking over the Commission’s responsibilities.
Attorney General Platkin highlighted the years-long fight to secure New Jersey’s right to control its own port, and he commended Governor Murphy’s leadership in ushering in a new era of commerce and security for the state’s waterfront. He emphasized that the New Jersey State Police is well-equipped for the task and is more than capable of overseeing the Port’s operations in the 21st century.
Colonel Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, expressed pride in taking on the responsibilities previously handled by the WCNYH. He praised the state’s troopers for their exceptional law enforcement capabilities and assured that they are fully capable of investigating and managing complex administrative functions at the Port.
The planning for this transition began well before the Supreme Court’s decision, and cooperation between the two states has been ongoing to ensure the safety and integrity of the Port and the uninterrupted flow of commerce. Moving forward, both states have pledged to maintain cooperation through their respective law enforcement agencies to continue safeguarding the Port effectively.