Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, and Police Chief Steven Aguiar today announced an expansion of the Hoboken Police Department’s (HPD) Table of Organization (TO) by 14 members, a critical step toward the formation of the City’s new Community Policing Bureau. The bureau was first introduced during the mayor’s annual State of the City Address this spring.
The ordinance expanding the department, which was approved by Hoboken City Council last night, adds two Captains, two Lieutenants, two Sergeants, and eight Police Officers to a total of 170 individuals within the department’s ranks.
“This is a step in the right direction toward launching our Community Policing Bureau, which will strengthen the relationship between our officers and the residents they serve and protect,” said Mayor Bhalla. “I want to thank the City Council for recognizing the importance of this initiative, and for supporting the future hiring of these additional officers to help ensure Hoboken remains a safe and welcoming place for all.”
“The 14 new positions, on top of the 10 officers we added to the T-O last year, puts us on track for a partial rollout of the Community Policing Bureau within a year, and a full deployment by early 2027,” said Director Ferrante. “Our next challenge is finding qualified and dedicated candidates to join our team. I know Hoboken will continue to attract the type of people who care about the City and want to help make it even safer for everyone who lives here.”
The Community Policing Bureau will be comprised of specially trained officers dedicated to enhancing public safety and improving quality of life through increased presence and neighborhood engagement. Once fully operational, officers will be in neighborhoods on foot and bicycle patrols throughout the city.
“We’ve heard the public loud and clear,” said Chief Aguiar. “The creation of this Community Policing Bureau, and the expansion of our officer and command staff, is a direct response to the concerns we’ve heard from our community. This program will allow us to be more present, more engaging, and more proactive when it comes to public safety and quality of life.”
To learn more about the Community Policing Bureau, visit: https://www.hobokennj.gov/news/hoboken-police-department-pursues-community-policing-bureau
The Hoboken Police Department recently swore in five new officers and has plans to send 13 additional recruits to the police academy in the coming months. Those interested in joining the Hoboken Police Department are encouraged to learn more at: https://hobokenpdnj.gov/employment-opportunities/
