Mayor Solomon Announces Major Public Safety Reorganization To Replace Outdated Policing Model
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Nathaniel Styer | Communications Director
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Mayor Solomon Announces Major Public Safety Reorganization to Replace Outdated Policing Model
New intelligence-driven accountability system, restored specialized units, and data-driven deployment to modernize Jersey City policing.
JERSEY CITY, NJ – Mayor James Solomon today announced a comprehensive reorganization of the Jersey City Department of Public Safety, delivering on his campaign commitment to modernize police operations by replacing an outdated reactive policing model with intelligence-driven deployment and launching JC IMPACT, a data accountability system designed to measure results and rebuild community trust.
The reorganization, directed by Mayor Solomon and implemented by Acting Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose and Police Chief Robert Kearns, addresses years of structural problems including the elimination of specialized units, officers kept stationary on fixed posts rather than responding to crime patterns, and the absence of systematic performance measurement.
"We made a commitment to the people of Jersey City to modernize our police department, eliminate fixed posts, bring back the Motorcycle Squad, and implement real accountability," Mayor James Solomon said. "Today we're delivering on that promise. For too long, this department operated without leveraging data to make smart decisions and without the specialized capabilities that effective policing requires. Accountability starts at the top—I will be in those IMPACT meetings holding leadership accountable, and the public will have access to the data. No more excuses, no more bureaucratic boxes being checked. We're measuring what matters: Are we reducing crime? Are we serving victims? Are we responding quickly? This is about delivering results for Jersey City residents."
What's Changing:
From Fixed Posts to Intelligence-Driven Deployment Councilmembers Frank E. Gilmore and Michael O. Griffin long advocated for the end of fixed post patrols by JCPD. These patrols kept officers stationary and reactive, limited the discretion of commanders, and made the community feel occupied and alienated from officers. Under Mayor Solomon's direction, officers will now be deployed based on crime data, community complaints, and real-time intelligence—putting resources where they're needed most, when they're needed most.
“Public safety is not just about presence—it’s about effectiveness, trust, and real outcomes for our residents. As we move away from fixed posts, it’s critical that this transition results in more responsive, community-centered policing that meets people where they are,”
said Councilmember Frank E. Gilmore. “In Ward F and across Jersey City, residents want to feel seen, heard, and protected—not just monitored. I support efforts that modernize our approach, but I will continue to advocate for transparency, proper resource allocation, and measurable results to ensure this shift truly makes our neighborhoods safer.”
Public safety grows when productivity increases. Replacing fixed posts with intelligence-driven deployment helps our operators make decisions based on real-time data instead of observations,”
said Councilmember Michael O. Griffin. “Data-driving decisions allow our officers to better understand what we need to ensure a grandmother can cross Monticello Avenue without fear or worry.
Launch of JC IMPACT Accountability System Starting March 15, 2026, the department will implement JC IMPACT (Integrated Metrics for Public Accountability and Community Trust), a CompStat-style system that tracks key performance indicators including:
• Response times and 911 call center performance
• Crime mapping with overlays of police activity to measure actual impact
• Clearance rates for violent crimes
• Ballistics, DNA, and fingerprint processing times
• GPS tracking of patrol vehicles to verify coverage in high-complaint areas
• Domestic violence victim services and case closures
• Traffic crash data and Vision Zero compliance
District commanders will be held accountable for results in monthly IMPACT meetings beginning in March, with Mayor Solomon attending sessions to monitor performance and address the command staff directly. All data will be compared week to week, month to month, and year to date.
"This reorganization recognizes that the patrol officer on the street, the detective working cases, the dispatcher handling calls—they have invaluable knowledge about what works and what doesn't,"
Acting Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said. "We're moving from vertical, top-down command to a leadership structure built on collaboration across all ranks. My job is to facilitate that collaboration, remove obstacles, and ensure we're focusing our efforts on what matters most to the community. This is about empowering our personnel with the tools, support, and accountabilitynsystems they need to be effective."
Creation of Specialized Investigative Units Three new units have been established to strengthen case management and focus resources on high impact crimes.
•Domestic Violence Unit
o Dedicated investigators with specialized resources and training assigned specifically to domestic violence cases.
o Expedite the process of serving restraining orders to significantly cut down on the time from incident to implementation.
o Follow-up mandates and improved coordination with victims and support services.
• Robbery Unit
o Specialized detectives focused on robbery and burglary investigations.
o Centralized resources to identify crime patterns and repeat offenders.
• Community Engagement Unit
o Reassigned officers from fixed posts will serve in a citywide Community Engagement Unit.
o Focused on proactive crime prevention, neighborhood partnerships, and quality-of-life enforcement.
o Direct engagement with residents, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, and community groups.
"For too long, we've operated reactively responding to crimes after they happen rather than using intelligence to prevent them,"
Police Chief Robert Kearns said. "JC IMPACT gives us the framework to deploy our officers strategically based on data, not guesswork. When we map crime patterns, overlay our response activity, and hold commanders accountable for results in their districts, we can identify what's working and what isn't. Our goal is simple: fewer victims, faster response times, and more solved cases. This system ensures we're not just busy—we're effective."
What's Already Been Accomplished in First 100 Days:
Since Mayor Solomon took office, the department has:
• Responded effectively to two major storm events, demonstrating improved coordination
• Established a dedicated task force for FIFA, Sail250, and July 4th events
• Relaunched and expanded Jersey City’s Vision Zero Taskforce, led by the Mayor’s Chief of Staff.
• Restored the Traffic Bureau and Motorcycle Squad after years of neglect.
• Initiated comprehensive assessments of the off-duty employment program, equipment inventory, and car pound operations
• Begun overhaul of outdated communications and dispatch systems
The reorganization is fully funded within the existing Public Safety budget through elimination of wasteful spending and the reallocation of resources to priorities including equipment, technology, training, and improved working conditions.