Jersey City Swears In 28 New Police Officers, 90% Being Minorities

Photo Credits:  Jen Brown, City of Jersey City

                                                                                                                              Mayor Fulop Swears in Newest Jersey City Police Officers, 90% Representing Minority Populations as Administration Continues to Grow and Diversify Department

 Jersey City Surpasses Goal of 950 Officers Citywide with 28 Graduating Officers; more than 700 officers hired by the Fulop Administration

Mayor Steven M. Fulop joined Public Safety Director James Shea and Police Director Tawana Moody today  to swear in the latest graduating class of 28, new, Jersey City police officers.  The event was held in the City Hall Council Chambers.   90% of the class represents minority populations as a result of the administration’s diversity recruitment efforts.  The latest police academy graduates bring the department’s size to more than 950 officers, as the Fulop Administration continues to grow the force and enhance public safety.

                                                          “Rebuilding the police department has been our top priority to enhance public safety.  We set an aggressive goal to reach 950 officers citywide while diversifying the department to better reflect the community.  To date, we’re surpassing these goals, and as a result, we’re seeing significant improvements in nearly every aspect of our police department, including expanding public safety and strengthening police/community relations,” said Mayor Fulop.

 As a result of the Fulop Administration’s diversity recruitment efforts, over 70% of the 740 police officers hired since 2013 have been minorities.  Today’s class is 90% minorities, including:

• 14 Hispanic officers
• 8 African American officers
• 3 Caucasian officers
• 2 Middle Eastern officers
• 1 Asian-American officer

When Mayor Fulop took office, there were 779 officers in the department.  Utilizing grant and capital funds, the administration has hired hundreds of officers for continued expansion.

“We hired hundreds of police officers since the start of this administration, and as a result, we’ve been able to significantly enhance public safety with increased foot patrols and more visibility in the areas where we need it most,” said Director Shea.  “As we meet and exceed the goals we originally set for our police department, we remain committed to further building upon our efforts to improve public safety, reduce crime, and increase community relations.”

As they join the force, the new officers are assigned to foot patrols, primarily in the South and West Districts, to enhance visibility and expand community policing.