FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
Mayor Solomon Appoints Veteran Jersey City Leaders to Public Safety Roles
Jocelyn Roldan and Travis Ragland bring nearly 40 years of combined experience serving the city they were raised in
JERSEY CITY, N.J.— Jersey City Mayor James Solomon today announced the appointments of two longtime Jersey City residents with nearly four decades of combined experience in the Jersey City Police Department. Jocelyn Roldan, who has served in roles spanning internal affairs and department administration, will become Acting Director of the Department of Public Safety. Travis Ragland, a longtime law enforcement officer and former Traffic Unit Commander, will become Chief of Police. Their appointments represent historic milestones for the city, with Roldan becoming the first Latina woman to lead the Public Safety department and Ragland becoming the first Black Police Chief in nearly 40 years.
The appointments come as current Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose prepares to leave the department after serving well beyond his initial three-month commitment to lead Jersey City’s public safety operations. Ambrose will work with the incoming leadership team to support the transition and ensure continuity of service. Roldan and Ragland bring nearly four decades of combined experience with the Jersey City Police Department and deep ties to the community they serve.
"Public safety starts with strong leadership, accountability and commitment to the people who call Jersey City home," said Mayor James Solomon. "Jocelyn and Travis have spent their careers serving this city and they understand the communities, challenges and people behind the work. Their appointments reflect the importance of having leaders who know this city firsthand. I am confident they will build on the progress we've made and continue working every day to make Jersey City safer for everyone."
During Ambrose’s tenure as Director of the Department of Public Safety, crime in Jersey City declined by 25 percent. He also led the development of the city’s Traffic Department, expanding the city’s capacity to address traffic safety and enforcement. His leadership has helped strengthen coordination across public safety divisions and advance the department’s ability to respond to the needs of residents.
“I was originally supposed to stay for three months, but there was a lot of work to do, and I've always liked a challenge,” said Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose. “Together with the great men and women of our Police, Fire, and Emergency Management divisions, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. We launched JC IMPACT, introduced intelligence-led policing, established Domestic Violence and Traffic Units, reformed off-duty deployment, and strengthened our partnership with the Hudson County Sheriff's Office. Most importantly, we reduced crime by approximately 25% citywide, which means fewer victims. I'm grateful to Mayor Solomon and our community for their support, and I have full confidence in Jocelyn Roldan as she takes over.”
Roldan was raised in Jersey City and joined the Police Department in 2009. She previously served as Chief of Staff to the Public Safety Director, coordinating priorities across Police, Fire, Emergency Management, Quality of Life, Parking Enforcement and crossing guard operations. She served as Internal Affairs Commander, Executive Officer and Sergeant, overseeing investigations and coordinating with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
“I grew up in Jersey City, went to college here, and have spent my entire 19-year law enforcement career serving this community. To now have the opportunity to lead the Department of Public Safety is an incredible honor,” said incoming Public Safety Director Jocelyn Roldan. “I've worked in many different roles throughout this department, and I know firsthand the dedication of the men and women who serve our residents every day. My priority is to make sure they have the leadership, resources, and support they need to do their jobs effectively, while strengthening accountability, improving how we operate, and ensuring we are responsive to the needs of our community. I want to thank Mayor Solomon and Director Ambrose for this opportunity, and I look forward to working with Chief Ragland and our entire public safety team to keep Jersey City safe.”
Born and raised in Jersey City, Ragland joined the Police Department in 2005 and brings more than 21 years of law enforcement experience. Most recently, he served as a Police Lieutenant and Traffic Unit Commander, leading a team of sworn and civilian personnel and supporting the city’s Vision Zero traffic safety initiative. He also worked closely with Police Chief Kearns on planning major citywide events, including America’s Sail 250th on the Hudson, the Fourth of July fireworks and events surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their planning and coordination helped keep hundreds of thousands of attendees safe throughout these major events. Earlier in his career, he served in patrol, narcotics investigations and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit.
“I was born and raised in Jersey City, and for the past 21 years, I've had the privilege of serving the city that raised me,” said incoming Police Chief Travis Ragland. “I've worked my way through the ranks, and I believe leadership starts with setting the right example, even when no one is watching. As Chief, my priorities will be building trust with our community, using data- and intelligence-led policing to address the root causes of crime and residents' concerns, and making sure our officers have the support they need to do their jobs effectively. I'm grateful to Mayor Solomon and Director Ambrose for this opportunity and to Chief Kearns for his leadership. I look forward to working with Director Roldan to make Jersey City safer for everyone.”
As the leadership transition moves forward, Roldan and Ragland will work across the city’s public safety divisions to continue addressing the safety needs of Jersey City residents.
“For 39 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving the people of Jersey City alongside some of the finest men and women in law enforcement,” said Police Chief Robert Kearns. “Serving as Chief of Police has been the greatest honor of my career. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that the department is in good hands with Chief Ragland. I wish him continued success as he takes on this important responsibility and leads the next chapter of the Jersey City Police Department.”
For more information about the Jersey City Department of Public Safety, its divisions and services, visit https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/cityhall/public_safety.
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Laura Bustamante
Chief of Staff
Mayor James Solomon
280 Grove Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Email: [email protected]