Camden “Paying” for Cost Savings from Police Lay-Offs

In January Camden, New Jersey furloughed one-half of its police force due to a growing budget crisis. At the time, Camden was the nation's second-most dangerous city, according to CQ Press. Camden ranked first the previous two years. In 2009, the city had 2,380 violent crimes per 100,000 residents — more than five times the national average according to the FBI.

Not surprisingly, following the deep cuts things have gotten worse in Camden. An analysis of crime data by The Courier-Post of Cherry Hill finds violent crime was up 13 percent from January 1 through June 20 compared with the same period a year ago.

The rates were also higher than in the first half of 2008 and 2009. Assaults with guns have been particularly high, up 60 percent from last year. That’s a 60 percent increase for what was already the second most dangerous city in America.

The Courier-Post also found nonviolent crime up by 21 percent so far in 2011.

The governor has made it clear there will be no new taxes in New Jersey. Maybe the savings realized by taxpayers can help defer the costs of bullet proof vests. Every family in Camden will soon need a couple.

To read more: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/07/crime_in_camden_up_since_polic.html