JERSEY CITY, NJ — In a recent report released by the Jersey City Department of Public Safety, the city’s police department has made a significant 17 arrests for illegal possession of a handgun as part of its focused enforcement efforts in just the first two months of 2026. This initiative has also led to the recovery of nine firearms, including a “ghost gun” and a firearm linked to three separate cases. In total, 32 firearms have been confiscated citywide, indicating a proactive approach by the local government towards public safety.

Mayor James Solomon expressed the administration’s commitment to preventing violence through the seizure of illegal weapons. “Every illegal firearm taken off the street represents a potential act of violence prevented,” stated Solomon. “Our strategy is clear. We are identifying illegal weapons, intervening early, and holding individuals accountable before those firearms can be used to harm someone else. This is about prevention, not reaction.”

Acting Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose commended the disciplined approach of the police force in safely retrieving these firearms. “Our officers are removing these firearms from our neighborhoods without using their service weapons, placing themselves in harm’s way to prevent further violence. That is disciplined policing focused on protection, not escalation,” Ambrose remarked.

The city is not stopping with these early successes. The Solomon Administration plans to roll out additional public safety initiatives in the near future. These include restructuring patrols for enhanced on-the-ground deployment and reorganizing 911 dispatch operations to boost response times and coordination. These measures are intended to bolster the city’s overall crime reduction efforts.

The police department is also reaching out to Jersey City residents, encouraging them to report any suspicious activity. The collaboration between the community and law enforcement is seen as a vital component in the fight against gun violence and in maintaining safety across neighborhoods.

For anyone with information related to illegal handgun possession or other criminal activities, the city urges contacting the Jersey City Police Department directly or submitting tips anonymously through email at [email protected] or by calling 855-JCP-TIPS.

The full press release, including more detailed information regarding the arrests and the proactive steps taken by the Jersey City Department of Public Safety, can be accessed through the city’s official website at https://www.jerseycitynj.gov.