Jersey City's Police Chief Announces Retirement

Jersey City Police Chief Michael Kelly Announces Retirement after 34 Years of Service

JERSEY CITY –Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins Public Safety Director James Shea, and Police Director Tawana Moody to announce Chief Michael Kelly’s retirement from the Jersey City Police Department, effective February 1, 2021. Chief Kelly joined the JCPD in 1988, rising through the ranks to become the leader of the department in 2018.

“Chief Kelly has had a decorated career, and as I have said before, I credit his leadership for getting us through the December 10thmass shooting last year that had the potential to cause much greater devastation within our community,” said Mayor Fulop. “It’s his effective leadership that has led to historic downward trends in crime in recent years and kept us from seeing the spikes in violence that most other cities have experienced throughout the pandemic. I’m grateful for Chief Kelly’s leadership and his 34 years serving our community. I wish him the best of luck in his retirement.”

Chief Kelly, 59, began his career on the Jersey City Police Department working midnight patrol in the North District. He credits his work as a homicide detective for exposing him to the aspects of police work that intrigue him most, cracking cases and pursuing criminals.

“I always had assignments in my career that were exciting. Working in narcotics gave me a look at the underbelly of the narcotics trade and an awful lot of arrests. Then I was a Homicide Detective for a number

of years, then Executive Officer in Investigations. I really got to a chance to see all sides of the police department,” said Chief Kelly. “From there, I got the job that I wanted the most which was Chief of Detectives. Detective work has always been a fascination for me and the pursuit of bad guys was always an intriguing part of why I like police work. I thought I was done until I was honored with the chance to be Chief of Police.”

Throughout his 34 year career, Chief Kelly acquired numerous accolades for his accomplishments, including numerous Excellent Police Service Awards, Commendations, a Combat Cross, and Honorable Mention Valor Award. Below is an outline of Chief Kelly’s career:

1987 – North District Patrol 1989 – Narcotics Division 1991 – East District Detective 1995 – Homicide Detective 2000 – Warrant Squad