Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor
The Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor (WCNYH) was a regulatory agency in the Port of New York and New Jersey in the northeast of the United States. The bi-state agency was founded in 1953 by a Congressional authorized compact between New York and New Jersey "for the purpose of eliminating various evils on the waterfront in the Port of New York Harbor." Under statutory mandate, the mission of the commission is to investigate, deter, combat and remedy criminal activity and influence in the port district and also ensures fair hiring and employment practices.
Since 2018 New Jersey had attempted to withdraw from the pact.[1] In 2023, the United States Supreme Court ruled that it could do so, and the commission was dissolved.[2][3]
History[edit]
The commission was set up in August 1953 (a year before the movie On the Waterfront) to combat labor racketeering.[4] The commission was initially created to combat unfair hiring practices on the waterfront in response to the growing number of crimes being committed there.
The Division of Licensing and Employment Information Centers was responsible for screening, registering, and licensing individuals who are interested in working at the dock. The commission was authorized to deny or revoke the registration or licenses of those who involved themselves in criminal activity.
Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor Police
Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor Police
1953
New York, New York, U.S.
New York City
approx. 50
Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor
Patrol Cars
Patrol Boat
New York State Inspector General report[edit]
On August 11, 2009, the New York State Inspector General Joseph Fisch issued a report of his two-year investigation of the Waterfront Commission. The report detailed extensive illegal, corrupt and unethical behavior on the part of Waterfront Commission staff. Following release of the report, the large majority of the commission's executive staff were fired, including the New Jersey Commissioner Michael J. Madonna (the New York Commissioner's seat was vacant at the time of the report's release, although the report faulted the actions of the former New York Commissioner, Michael C. Axelrod).[13][14]
The report's existence was due, in part, to two whistleblowers, Kevin McGown and Brian Smith, who both resigned and have since filed a discrimination complaint against the agency.[15]
New York v. New Jersey
New York v. New Jersey
Kavanaugh, joined by Roberts, Thomas, Alito, Sotomayor, Kagan, Gorsuch, Barrett, Jackson