Mayor James Solomon commends the swift, proactive police work by Jersey City Police Officers this week that led to five arrests following a violent robbery attempt involving approximately $3,000 in designer merchandise.

While patrolling the nearby housing unit on April 13, JCPD officers observed a disturbance near Summit Avenue and immediately intervened, stopping an active incident before further harm could occur.  The investigation determined the suspects arranged to meet the victim for a sale before assaulting him and attempting to take his property.

“This is exactly the kind of proactive, on-the-ground policing that keeps Jersey City safe.  Our officers stepped in at the right moment, prevented further violence, and ensured those responsible were held accountable,” said Mayor Solomon.  “We will continue to support strategies that prioritize swift response, strong enforcement, and the safety of every resident.”

“This was a fast-moving, violent situation that had the potential to escalate quickly.  Our officers recognized it in real time, intervened without hesitation, and took decisive action to stop it.  That is what effective policing looks like,” added Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.

The victim sustained minor injuries, including abrasions and bruising, and refused further medical treatment.

The driver, Erik Lagunas, was issued multiple summonses, including leaving the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended license.  Additionally, the 18-year-old Paterson resident was arrested and charged with the following:

• Conspiracy
• Robbery
• Simple assault
• Assault by auto
• Possession of a weapon
• Kidnapping
• Aggravated assault

The other 4 actors were charged with conspiracy, robbery, and simple assault.  In addition to the juvenile actor, a 17 year old Clifton, the 3 suspects arrested are:

• Carmelo Greene, 21 of Paterson
• Kelvin Pichardo, 27 of Paterson
• Emil Nauffal Gutierrez, 21 of Clifton

The investigations remain active.

Anyone with information related to this or other incidents is asked to contact the Jersey City Police Department or submit tips anonymously through email at policetips@njjcps.org or by calling 855-JCP-TIPS

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Solomon Administration’s Focused Enforcement Results in 32 Firearms Recovered Citywide

Just two months into 2026, the Jersey City Police Department has made 17 arrests for unlawful possession of a handgun, as part of focused enforcement efforts targeting illegal handguns.  In connection with those arrests, officers safely recovered nine firearms.

Among the weapons recovered was a “ghost gun” assembled without a serial number and a firearm that investigators have connected to three separate cases involving the same actor.  All were charged under New Jersey law with unlawful possession of a handgun.

Citywide, a total of 32 firearms have been removed from circulation so far this year.  The enforcement results reflect the Solomon Administration’s commitment to proactive public safety.

“Every illegal firearm taken off the street represents a potential act of violence prevented,” said Jersey City Mayor James Solomon.  “Our strategy is clear.  We are identifying illegal weapons, intervening early, and holding individuals accountable before those firearms can be used to harm someone else.  This is about prevention, not reaction.”

“Our officers are removing these firearms from our neighborhoods without using their service weapons, placing themselves in harm’s way to prevent further violence.  That is disciplined policing focused on protection, not escalation,” said Acting Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.  “We are sending a clear message that carrying an unlawful handgun in Jersey City will result in arrest.”

In the coming weeks, the Administration will advance several additional public safety initiatives to further strengthen crime reduction efforts, including patrol restructuring to enhance on-the-ground deployment and the reorganization of 911 dispatch operations to improve response times and coordination.

The Jersey City Police Department continues to encourage residents to report suspicious activity.  Community cooperation remains a critical component in preventing gun violence and ensuring safe neighborhoods across the city.

Anyone with information related to these or other incidents is asked to contact the Jersey City Police Department or submit tips anonymously through email at policetips@njjcps.org or by calling 855-JCP-TIPS.

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 Mayor Steven M. Fulop joined 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. 

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Consistent with The Mayorâ€s Pledge per President Obama, Jersey City clarifies and amends JCPD General Orders

Mayor Steven M. Fulop and Public Safety Director James Shea announced today that the “Use of Force” General Order for the Jersey City Police Department will be amended where necessary and clarified where necessary to be consistent with best practices.

“I took the pledge last night when President Obama asked mayors to step up and we are starting on Day 1 with changes and clarification where needed” said Mayor Fulop.  “We have the best police department anywhere in the country and when it is possible to be even better, we will take steps to get there.”

Over the next few weeks the Mayor will work in conjunction with the City Council and the community to make sure that Jersey City remains a national leader with regards to policing policy.

Frequently Asked JCPD General Orders & Guidelines:

1)      Require De-Escalation

See JCPD G.O. 02-16BACKGROUND. In using force, the utmost restraint should be exercised.  The degree of force employed in any situation should be only that reasonably necessary.  Officers should exhaust all other reasonable means before resorting to the use of force.  (p.1) However, please see “The Use of Force Continuum” (p.3-4) The use of force continuum is similar to a progressive set of steps in which an officer would ideally take one step at a time.  However, the circumstances presented to an officer may dictate the skipping of any number of intermediate steps and immediately may necessitate jumping to a higher step in order to effectively and safely protect him/herself and./or others.  (p. 3-4)

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Festivities Include Food Tasting and Judging of Contestants†Dishes, Food Trucks, Childrenâ€s Activities, Music and More; All Proceeds to Benefit Charity

Contestants from the Jersey City Police Department, Fire
Department, EMTs and Hudson County Corrections officers will face-off in the 2^nd annual Jersey City First Responders Charity Cook-off.  With each ticket, attendees will get to taste each of the prepared dishes and vote for their favorite. 

All proceeds will benefit a charity of the groups†choosing: The Jersey City Firefighters Family Assistance Fund, the Police Unity Tour, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and The Code Green Campaign, as well as $5 from every ticket sold going to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.  Festivities also include music, childrenâ€s activities, food trucks, and more while enjoying a great fall day in the Beaconâ€s Overlook park with views of Jersey City and New York Cit   Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

 The Beacon

  20 Beacon Way

Jersey City, NJ 07304

 Jersey City Police Officers

 Jersey City Firefighters

 Jersey City EMTs

Hudson County Corrections Officer

Jersey City Mayor Steven F. Fulop

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 Events to Continue Strengthening Relationships with the Community

All are Welcome to Enjoy Live Music, Kids Entertainment, Giveaways, Safety Awareness Education, and More at the 33^rd annual

“Americaâ€s Night Out Against Crime” Event

 Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Jersey City Police Department announce the return of the successful community-building event, National Night Out.  This yearâ€s festivities will take place in four different parks throughout the city.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.  Each park will have a DJ and other live music, food, beverages, giveaways for kids, bounce houses, and other materials to promote safety awareness from participating local and community organizations.

The annual National Night Out campaign was established in 1984 to strengthen police and community relations under positive circumstances. For Jersey City, the event has become part of a greater effort by the Fulop administration to help the police department connect with residents through these types of programs along with increasing police presence, opening lines of communication, and fostering active relationships between the police and the community.

  Tuesday, August 1st, 2017 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

 Audubon Park – 18 Audubon Avenue, Jersey City, NJ

Arlington Park – Grand Street & Arlington Avenue, Jersey City, NJ

 Hamilton Park – Jersey Avenue between 8^th & 9^th Streets, Jersey City, NJ

 Pershing Field – 201 Central Avenue, Jersey City, NJ

Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop and Jersey City Police Department,   Community Organizations

www.njjcpd.org/node/9

www.cityofjerseycity.com

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Fulop Administrations Grows Jersey City Police Department to Largest Size in Two Decades; Graduating Class Brings Department to 932 Officers

  Mayor Steven M. Fulop will swear in 25 new Jersey City police officers at a graduation ceremony at City Hall on Thursday. This latest class brings the size of the department to 932 total officers, its largest size in two decades. The Fulop administration has hired over 300 officers since 2013, increasing visibility and allowing for added walking posts in areas where they are needed most.  Continuing the administrationâ€s priority on diversity recruitment, the 25 new graduates also include thirteen Hispanic officers, three African-American officers, and two Asian officers.  And with five females now joining the department, this class marks one of the largest amounts of female officers graduating from a single class.  Another class of officers currently in the Police Academy will allow for an additional 24 officers to graduate this fall, bringing the department closer to Mayor Fulopâ€s goal of 950 officers.

    Thursday June 8th, 2017 at 11 a.m.

   Council Chambers, City Hall

 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop

Director of Public Safety James Shea

Jersey City Police Department leadership

Graduating Officers

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 JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop today swore in 25 new Jersey City police officers, bringing the size of the department to 922 officers – its largest size in two decades – as the administration continues to grow the force and enhance public safety, while also diversifying the department.

“We have made rebuilding the police department a priority since day one, and while there is still more work to do, we are proud of this new class of officers and on where we are today with our police department,” said Mayor Fulop. “We will continue to build the department and with each new class we hire, we will be able to increase foot patrols with officers interacting directly with members of the community, enhancing public safety and strengthening community relations.”

Since taking office in July of 2013, Mayor Fulop has hired more than 250 new police officers, including todayâ€s class.  An additional class of 26 officers is also in the police academy expected to graduate this summer.  Mayor Fulop has also pledged to add two more classes of recruits this year for a total of 50 new officers to be hired by the department; the goal is for a department with over 950 officers.

When Mayor Fulop took office, there were 779 officers in the department and utilizing grant and capital funds, the administration has hired several new classes of officers with plans for continued expansion. Since last spring, the new officers joining the force have been assigned to foot patrols, primarily in the South and West Districts.  Todayâ€s class of officers will also be deployed to foot patrol as they start their careers to enhance visibility and expand community policing.

 â€œToday is a proud day for these men and women as they take the oath of office to protect and serve their community,” said Public Safety Director James Shea.  “We are proud of them and what they have achieved, and while it is a great accomplishment to have a growing department that reflects the community, the true achievement will be when these men and women are on patrol, building relationships with the community and helping others each and every day.”

The Fulop administration has also made diversity recruitment a focus, establishing the cityâ€s first recruitment center at the HUB and dedicating two officers to work with the community on outreach.  As a result, of the new officers hired since 2013, nearly 70 percent have been minorities, including todayâ€s class, which includes 16 Hispanic officers, two African-American officers and one Asian-American officer.

Languages spoken within the JCPD include Spanish, Italian, Greek, Arabic, Urdu, Creole, Polish, Swahili, Bengali and Vietnamese.

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