The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has hired its first chief security officer.

Former New York City Police Department first deputy commissioner Joseph Dunne will be responsible for developing, implementing and auditing security programs across the agency. These include the Port Authority Police Department, bridges, tunnels, airports, bus terminals, PATH trains and ports.

The goals of the new Security Department are to improve coordination and communication internally and between the Port Authority and law enforcement agencies and to increase security efforts at the agency's facilities.

The creation of the security department was recommended by a consultant group headed by former U.S. Homeland Security head Michael Chertoff. (AP)