Police Director Tawana Moody, a civilian, takes over atop the Jersey City Police Department
Updated Feb 02, 2021;
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Jersey City Police Director Tawana Moody is taking over all police department operations in the wake of Chief Michael Kelly’s recent retirement, bringing the city’s police force under the leadership and oversight of a civilian, Mayor Steve Fulop said Tuesday.
Fulop said appointing a civilian to oversee the department will improve police accountability, transparency, and community relations. The move also expands civilian access to Internal Affairs investigations, including resident complains of potential police wrongdoing, he said.
“Public perspective is just as valuable as police perspective, and I believe this latest step we’re taking will strengthen police/community relations,” Fulop said.