9 new Port Authority cops fired over rowdy party at Hoboken bar

HOBOKEN (WABC) -- Nine probationary Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police officers have been terminated because of a rowdy graduation party.

Three others were suspended for 30 days without pay and will have their probationary status extended an additional year.

Additionally, three members of the Port Authority Police Academy staff who attended the events in question and two additional officers not on the academy staff will be subject to disciplinary proceedings. Three of those five officers are supervisors.

In a statement, executive director Pat Foye calls it "a sad day" for the department. Foye says he was disappointed by their conduct and appalled by the "poor judgment" of the police academy's staff who attended.

The agency investigated reports that officers were drunk and out of control at a Hoboken bar following the August graduation of the 113th class.

The authority's OIG interviewed more than 100 police officers, customers and staff of the bar, local police officials and others, as well as reviewing relevant videotapes, social media communications and other electronic messages.

Here is the full text of Foye's statement:

"This is a sad day for the Port Authority Police Department. We are extremely disappointed by the conduct of the probationary officers involved and appalled by the poor judgment of the Academy staff members in attendance. The Port Authority is justly proud of the history and dedication of its police department and views the conduct in question as deeply troubling."

The Port Authority says it's re-examining the entire candidate selection and training process.

"Let the message be clear," Port Authority Chairman John Degnan said. "Sworn police officers will be held to a high standard of conduct befitting their roles. The individuals who faced discipline today represent a very small percentage of a department that has otherwise distinguished itself for competence and valor."

No names were released.