Mayor Fulop Promotes 75 of Jersey City’s Finest, Expanding the Police Department’s Leadership and Achieving Greater Diversity within JCPD Ranks

JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins Public Safety Director James Shea, Police Director Tawana Moody, and Police Chief Michael Kelly to announce the promotion of 20 Captains, 20 Lieutenants, and 35 Sergeants in the Jersey City Police Department. These promotions achieve more diversity within the ranks, including the highest-ranking Hispanic female and highest-ranking African American female within the entire department.

Since Mayor Fulop took office and prioritized diversity recruitment, of the nearly 500 police officers hired since July 2013, over 70 percent represent minority populations to better reflect the city’s diverse population.  Among the new Sergeants, 13 are Hispanic, 2 are Arabic, and 2 are African American.

“As a city, we have had to overcome unprecedented obstacles this past year, and our officers never wavered in their commitment to keeping the community safe,” said Mayor Fulop.  “We have the best police department in the state, bar none, and I have no doubt this new leadership will continue to further our progress as a city.”

“Law enforcement is ever-evolving, and it takes strong leadership throughout the department to achieve efficient and effective operations,” said Director Shea. “These newly promoted ranks have countless years of experience between them, and I know that their training and experience will further our goals of decreasing crime and increasing public safety.”

With the highest JCPD staffing levels in decades, this rising leadership will help oversee the 900-plus officers on the force citywide and continue the administration’s goal of improving overall public safety and quality of life for all residents.

“We’ve implemented various police reforms, expanded training, and enhanced our technological capabilities, but it takes true leadership to cultivate a department into the premier police force we have become here in Jersey City,” said Director Moody.

“Our police department continues to grow in size and strength, and I’m confident the newest leadership rising in ranks today will continue to raise the bar, and further solidifies our spot among the top police departments in the state,” said Chief Kelly.

The promotional ceremony for the newest Captains, Lieutenants, and Sergeants will take place outside today, November 24^th, 2020, at 11 a.m. in front of City Hall. All safety protocols will be strictly followed, including social distancing and mandatory masks.  Media is welcome to attend.