Mayor Steven M. Fulop joined City Council members and Public Safety officials at this week’s graduation of five police recruits being sworn in as the newest members of the Jersey City Police Department during a ceremony inside City Hall Council Chambers. The new police officers are joining the police department one week after Mayor Fulop and Public Safety Director James Shea announced record-breaking progress in combatting crime, with Jersey City achieving the lowest homicide rate in its history.
“We are proud to welcome these five dedicated recruits into our police department during a particularly challenging time for law enforcement agencies across the country,” said Mayor Fulop. “Their presence will further enhance public safety and strengthen relationships within our diverse neighborhoods.”
The small but significant graduating class reflects the nationwide challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified law enforcement personnel, a priority that the city continues to address proactively. As a result of the Fulop Administration’s diversity recruitment efforts, nearly 75% of the over 740 police officers hired since 2013 are minorities, making the JCPD one of the most diverse police departments in the region. In fact, four of the five new graduates represent minority populations, reflecting Jersey City’s diverse community.
“This is a very hard job to get, and it should be, because it is an important job. These new officers are joining the best police department in New Jersey, if not the country,” added Public Safety Director James Shea. “We will make sure they have what they need to succeed and have the tools they need to have successful careers.”
The five new officers will further the administration’s efforts to enhance community policing, deter crime, and improve residents’ overall quality of life.
Police Chief Robert Kearns joined Shea in thanking the families in attendance and the new officers at today’s ceremony. “It’s a challenging job. You are going to enter the next phase with our Training Bureau where our field training program that is second to none. You will get the training you need to be the best police officer you can be.”
“We are committed to supporting these officers in their new roles and continuing to find innovative ways to recruit and retain the next generation of law enforcement,” said Police Director Tawana Moody.