As Crime Drops over 70% in just 2 years, Jersey City’s Police Presence Expands with Historic Staffing Levels as 50 New Police Officers take the Oath of Office today

New Class Comprised of 84% Minorities – a more Accurate Reflection of the City’s Diverse Population achieved through the Administration’s Diversity Recruitment Efforts

JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop and Public Safety Director James Shea will swear-in Jersey City’s graduating class of 50 new police officers at 11 a.m. today inside City Hall Council Chambers. The administration has placed an emphasis on diversifying the ranks, while enhancing public safety citywide.  This latest class is comprised of 84% minorities, including 15 females, to more accurately reflect Jersey City’s diverse population.

“We continue to positively change the culture of public safety here in Jersey City, and that starts with an expanded police presence with people who reflect and represent the community they serve,” said Mayor Fulop. “With additional recruits, we’ve been able to increase foot patrols in specific areas and strengthen the relationship between community members and officers. While we won’t stop until we get to zero, this ultimately has helped us see a significant decrease in crime citywide.”

Since 2013, the administration has grown the department from 769 police officers to the largest police department Jersey City has seen in decades.  With this latest class, the police department is comprised of 945 officers in total – with 50 additional recruits set to enter the academy this summer.  The added officers will aid efforts to increase police presence and walking patrols, community outreach, crime deterrence, and diversity recruitment initiatives.

“We’ve seen a 70-percent decrease in areas of major crimes in just the last 2 years,” said Public Safety Director James Shea. “That’s a testament to the administration’s focus on increasing public safety. Crime continues to decrease and we will continue to provide the necessary resources and personnel until every neighborhood is safe.”