Quicker 911 Response, Domestic Violence Unit Part Of Jersey City's New Public Safety Plan

JERSEY CITY, NJ — After years of residents complaining about slow emergency responses and limited crime statistics in Jersey City, the mayor announced a new plan Thursday that will also include reorganizing public safety departments.

READ MORE: Amid Some Positive Crime Trends, Jersey City Grapples With 911 Issues, Murky Statistics

Mayor James Solomon, who took office in January, said his public safety plan "replac[es] an outdated reactive policing model with intelligence-driven deployment."

The city will launch JC IMPACT, a data-driven system designed to measure policing results in real time.

The Police Department will now include three new specialized units: a Domestic Violence Unit, a Robbery Unit, and a Community Engagement Unit.

In the first two months of 2023, the city lost two teachers to domestic violence in separate incidents. READ MORE: 4 Women Killed In Domestic Violence In NJ In 2023, All In Just One County

Solomon said he will also eliminate fixed patrolling posts and bring back the Motorcycle Squad.

"For too long, this department operated without leveraging data to make smart decisions and without the specialized capabilities that effective policing requires," Solomon said Thursday. "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."

He added, "We're measuring what matters: Are we reducing crime? Are we serving victims? Are we responding quickly?"

Acting Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose and Police Chief Robert Kearns will oversee the changes.

Under the new model, officers will be deployed based on crime data, community complaints, and real-time results, Solomon said.

Council members Frank Gilmore and Michael Griffin welcomed the changes, particularly fixed-post patrols.

Gilmore encouraged more community-centered policing that "meets people where they are."

Griffin said, “Data-driving decisions allow our officers to better understand what we need to ensure a grandmother can cross Monticello Avenue without fear or worry."

The JC IMPACT system will report police response times and clearance rates for violent crimes.

District commanders will be held accountable for results in monthly meetings attended by Solomon, the city said.

The reorganization is funded through the existing Public Safety budget and with the reallocation of resources, the city said.

The changes will also focus on equipment, technology, training, and improved working conditions.

READ MORE: Amid Some Positive Crime Trends, Jersey City Grapples With 911 Issues, Murky Statistics