Exceeding the Fulop Administration’s Goal of 950 Officers Citywide

With 76 New Recruits, the City’s Police Department Reaches its Largest Size in More than Two Decades, Increasing Police Presence, Walking Patrols & Community Relations

JERSEY CITY –
Mayor Steven M. Fulop and public safety officials
announce the largest police recruit class in more than thirty years entering the police academy this month as the Fulop Administration continues to expand public safety citywide. The Fulop
Administration has now surpassed its original goal of growing the Jersey City Police Department to 950 officers.  With this latest class of 76 recruits, the department will be reaching a total of more than 960 officers citywide.

“We inherited a police department that was at a historical low in officers, and from day one set out to expand the force,” said
Mayor Fulop.  “With the addition of this newest recruit class, we have now hired
more than 400 officers, exceeding our goal to grow and diversify the police department and enhance public safety throughout Jersey City.”

“We’ve not only worked to increase the number of officers citywide, but we’ve also focused on diversifying the department to reflect Jersey City – the most diverse city in
the country,” Mayor Fulop added.  “These 76 recruits are reflective of that, with minorities making up nearly three-quarters of the new class.  While we know there’s more work to be done, we’re proud of how far we’ve come as Jersey City continues to
serve as a model for police recruitment and diversity.”

The Fulop Administration set out to expand the Police Department after acquiring 769 officers in 2013 when Mayor Fulop took office.  Earlier this year, the department reached
its largest size in more than two decades and this new class of recruits further expands those numbers.

Establishing a greater police presence has also aided in the strengthening of community relations, as more officers mean greater interaction with the community. Various outreach
programs have also been designed to bolster communication between officers and residents, an effective crime prevention tool.

“Increasing public safety has been a top priority for this administration from the start,” said
Public Safety Director James Shea.  “The increase in officers has enabled more foot patrols in areas where they are most needed, a proven crime deterrent.”

All media inquiries should be directed to Kimberly Scalcione at kscalcione@jcnj.org or 201-376-0699.

Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has provided the City of Bayonne with updated information about Bayonne Bridge construction and demolition.

Demolition of old bridge piers (columns) has been completed in residential areas. Demolition is taking place now between 1st Street and the Kill Van Kull. The piers that are being demolished supported the old version of the Bayonne Bridge.

Bridge construction (pier erection/roadway segments) is taking place now between 4th Street and Juliette Street. Work on building footings is proceeding between West 1st Street and West 2nd Street.

In a letter addressed to residents of the Juliette Street area, the Port Authority has announced that it will be closing Juliette Street as early as Friday, December 15, to erect the new bridge support structure and to install the southbound roadway segments. According to the Port Authority, this closure is expected to last approximately six-to-eight weeks. While Juliette Street is closed, vehicles can continue to enter from Kennedy Boulevard or Avenue A for local access only. No through traffic can travel there under the Bayonne Bridge. Also during the closure, vehicles cannot park there under the Bayonne Bridge.

Bayonne’s Urban Enterprise Zone/Special Improvement District Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 21, at 5:30 p.m.
The lighting will take place at 474 Broadway  (corner of 22nd Street).