The Philadelphia Inquirer
CAMDEN, N.J. — With a date certain now set for the Camden Police Department to go out of business, it becomes even more crucial to avoid any reduction in public safety in one of America’s deadliest cities.
The plan to shut down the department cleared a final hurdle last week when the New Jersey Civil Service Commission gave its approval to lay off the entire 270-member force by April 30.
That gives Mayor Dana L. Redd the green light to replace the force with one run by Camden County. Now Redd must master a smooth transition that ensures no lapse in police protection for Camden’s 79,000 residents.
Important details have yet to be worked out, including an agreement with the state to pick up as much as $6.5 million in start-up costs so county taxpayers are not stuck with the tab.
The alternative police force is expected to cost roughly $60 million to operate, which is about the same as the current department. But the larger force will be able to deploy more officers to high-crime areas.
Current officers have blasted the plan as a way to bust their contract, and union leaders plan a court challenge. But they have only themselves to blame for not making concessions on work rules and pay that might have avoided their being replaced.
There is still a remote chance that renewed negotiations might keep more current officers on the job. Otherwise, less than half will be allowed to join the new force and their labor contract will be tossed aside.
The new Camden Metro Division will have as many as 400 officers and will serve other municipalities if any ever sign up for the service. That will become more likely if the new force delivers on promises to greatly improve public safety in the city.
Most Camden residents welcome the idea of a stepped-up police presence, but they worry that the new force won’t be up to the task.
Camden is one of the most dangerous and violent towns in America. It had 67 homicides in 2012, its deadliest year on record. Much of Camden’s increase in violent and other crime is linked to illegal drugs. Other problems endemic to urban areas — high unemployment, poverty, failing schools, etc. — are contributing factors.
So far, nearly 900 people have signed up for background checks to join the new police force. The applicants include about 100 current Camden officers. Those hired must undergo an eight-week on-the-job training course. They could be on the streets as early as next month. Their arrival can’t come soon enough. Camden shouldn’t go a day without adequate police protection.
Copyright 2013 Philadelphia Newspapers, LLC