Long considered one of the most dangerous places in the U.S. Camden, NJ may take steps more dramatic than police layoffs, says WHYY Radio in Philadelphia. Camden is on pace to break a record for homicides and shootings this year, and many in the crime-ravaged city say something has to change. “The status quo is not working with our current policing model,” says City Attorney Marc Riondino. He says it’s time for Camden to take a new approach to public safety with a new police force operated by the county.
“We have explored our options and the best model for us is shared services,” he says. “In Camden, it’s well-known we have an uptick in violence; we have to enter into a new paradigm and make residents feel safe and that’s the only reason we’re doing this.” City Council President Frank Moran, who was born and raised in Camden, says even with financial help, Camden is struggling to protect itself. “We are under a transitional aid agreement with the state and every year the state will reduce our aid and it’s what the governor has implemented,” Moran says. “Unfortunately we have to live with [it], so we have to do everything in our power to be creative.”