Mike Kelly Named Chief of the Jersey City Police Department after Extensive and Exhaustive Process

Mayor Fulop Names Mike Kelly Chief of the Jersey City Police Department after Extensive and Exhaustive Process

As a 30-year JCPD Veteran, Chief Kelly Capitalizes on his Experience to Enhance the Administration’s ongoing Public Safety Initiatives, Recruitment and Diversity efforts, and Department Expansion to its Largest size in Two Decades; Increasing Police Presence & Community Relations

JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop and Public Safety Director James Shea announced Mike Kelly as Chief of Police after careful consideration throughout a thorough interview process.

“After an extensive process, beginning with nearly forty internal and external candidates, we narrowed down the candidates throughout countless interviews,” said Mayor Fulop. “Ultimately, the decision was made Deputy Chief Mike Kelly was the best candidate to take on the role of Chief of the Jersey City Police Department.”

As a 30-year JCPD veteran, Chief Kelly’s background includes a strong blend of patrol and investigative work to include assignments of specialized natures; narcotics, homicide, major case and special assignment cases. This work has been accomplished as a police officer, detective, and supervisor. Most recently, he was assigned as commanding officer in the West District.

“Working with the community, the police officers, and having a strong investigative background, I really feel I’m thoroughly prepared for this leadership role because of my experience,” said Chief Kelly. “The police department, in its mission, must be community oriented and consistently strive to form strong and lasting bonds with all its citizens. Our plans we’ll lay out involve everyone working together to bring both residents and police officers safely home on a daily basis. I thank you for your trust.”

“The candidate finalists were exceptional,” said Director Shea. “By accepting this position, Chief Kelly is also accepting responsibility for all the men and women of the police department every day. He is a proven, dedicated leader with the good of the citizens and police officers of Jersey City at the forefront of priorities.”

Chief Kelly will continue to focus on ongoing efforts to expand the police department, now at its largest size in 20 years with over 950 officers citywide. Under his leadership, the department will continue to serve as a model for police recruitment and diversity, while moving forward with the administration’s public safety initiatives.

All media inquiries should be directed to Kimberly Scalcione at [email protected] or 201-376-0699.