JERSEY CITY, NJ – Mayor James Solomon wasted no time setting the tone for his administration, unveiling an ambitious public safety agenda designed to strengthen law enforcement, reduce traffic fatalities, and rebuild trust between officers and residents. Standing beside Acting Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose and Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, Solomon signed a series of executive orders and directives that he said would take effect immediately.
“Protecting the people of Jersey City is this administration’s top priority,” Solomon declared, emphasizing action over rhetoric. The plan centers on expanding the city’s police ranks, restoring a dedicated traffic enforcement unit, and renewing the city’s commitment to Vision Zero—a long-term effort to eliminate traffic-related deaths and injuries.
The mayor announced that Jersey City will hire 30 new police officers through a joint initiative with Hudson County’s training academy. The program, which is free for municipalities, aims to rebuild staffing while reshaping department culture. Once trained, officers will be deployed on neighborhood {patrols}, focusing on community engagement and visibility. Officials said the move will also help improve retention within the force.
In a parallel effort to address growing safety concerns on city streets, Solomon signed an Executive Order reestablishing the Traffic Enforcement Division within the Jersey City Police Department. The unit will target high-risk corridors and school zones identified through data analysis, concentrating on violations such as speeding, reckless driving, and failure to yield. According to Ambrose, success will be measured through tangible reductions in crashes, fatalities, and property damage.
The mayor also reaffirmed the city’s {commitment} to the Vision Zero initiative, appointing Chief of Staff Laura Bustamante to lead a new task force focused on ending traffic deaths. Six people were killed and 39 seriously injured on Jersey City streets last year, figures Solomon called “unacceptable.” Ambrose echoed the sentiment, stating that “every traffic death is preventable,” and stressing the importance of designing safer streets and enforcing dangerous driving laws.
- Jersey City will hire 30 new police officers through a Hudson County training program
- A dedicated traffic enforcement unit will target high-risk corridors and school zones
- The city is renewing its Vision Zero commitment to eliminate roadway fatalities
In addition, Solomon issued a directive to the Municipal Prosecutor, instructing the office to seek maximum accountability for severe traffic violations, including impaired and reckless driving, passing stopped school buses, and speeding in school zones. The administration said the policy reflects a broader focus on deterrence and safety.
Community advocates welcomed the announcement. Pamela Johnson, CEO of the Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County, said the plan showed that “public safety isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about investment, presence, and trust.” She added that the new initiatives align with what residents have long demanded from city leadership.
County Executive Craig Guy praised the regional approach, saying the collaboration between the city and county would “get officers trained and on the streets faster.” Acting Director Ambrose closed the announcement by calling the actions “a blueprint for accountability and protection,” signaling a new era for Jersey City’s approach to {safety}.
