5 Major Ways The Atlantic City Police Department Is Transforming Safety In 2025

The Atlantic City Police Department (ACPD) is currently undergoing a significant operational shift, focusing on data-driven policing and high-impact community partnerships to enhance public safety in the resort city. As of today, December 15, 2025, the department's efforts are showing tangible results, most notably a substantial reduction in overall crime figures.

The ACPD, under the leadership of Chief James A. Sarkos, continues to be the primary law enforcement agency for Atlantic City, New Jersey, a city known for its vibrant casino district and historic boardwalk. Recent reports highlight the department's success in tackling complex issues, from organized drug trafficking to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors through targeted, modern initiatives.

Chief James A. Sarkos: Biography and Leadership Profile

The strategic direction of the Atlantic City Police Department is steered by Chief James A. Sarkos, a veteran law enforcement officer with a career spanning over three decades in South Jersey. His leadership, which began in late 2020, has been characterized by a commitment to community collaboration and multi-agency operations.

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• Full Name: James A. Sarkos
• Current Role: Chief of Police, Atlantic City Police Department (ACPD)
• Appointment Date as Chief: October 1, 2020
• Early Career Start: 1995, as a Class One Special Law Enforcement Officer (S.L.E.O.) for the Ventnor Police Department
• Career Progression: Prior to joining the ACPD, he served in law enforcement roles in the Ventnor, Wildwood, and Linwood Police Departments.
• Joined ACPD: October 2000, where he began his full-time career with the department.
• Leadership Focus: Since his appointment, Chief Sarkos has emphasized transparency, community engagement, and leveraging partnerships with state and federal agencies to combat crime in Atlantic City, NJ.

1. Massive Reduction in Overall Crime Figures: The 2025 Data

One of the most compelling pieces of current news surrounding the ACPD is the dramatic improvement in the city's crime statistics. The department’s focused strategies, including increased presence and intelligence-led policing, have yielded measurable success in reducing criminal activity across the city.

ACPD’s Q1 2025 Success Highlights

According to the latest data from the New Jersey State Police Offense Report, the first quarter of 2025 has demonstrated a significant downward trend in criminal offenses compared to the same period in 2024.

• Overall Crime Decrease: Total Group "A" Offenses fell from 1,427 in Q1 2024 to 1,266 in Q1 2025, representing an 11.28% decrease. This substantial drop shows the effectiveness of the current policing model.
• Zero Homicides: Perhaps the most critical statistic is the report of zero homicides in Atlantic City during the first quarter of 2025. This is a major public safety milestone for the department and the city.
• Targeted Arrests: Over 1,160 people were arrested in Atlantic City during the first three months of 2025, a clear indication of proactive enforcement efforts targeting repeat offenders and criminal organizations.

While violent crime remains a challenge, the consistent reduction in overall offenses and the focus on high-impact arrests are positive indicators for the future of public safety in Atlantic City, NJ.

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2. The 'Clean & Safe' Initiative: A Partnership for Quality of Life

The ACPD is a core partner in the city's "Clean & Safe" Initiative, a multi-faceted program designed to improve the quality of life for both residents and the millions of tourists who visit the coastal destination annually. This initiative goes beyond traditional law enforcement, focusing on visible improvements and strategic security coordination.

The program is a collaborative effort involving the City of Atlantic City, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and even academic institutions like Stockton University. Key components of the "Clean & Safe" Initiative include:

• Increased Police Presence: Deploying additional officers to high-traffic areas, particularly the Gateway region of the city, which serves as the main entry point for visitors.
• Expanded Security Patrols: Coordinating with casino security teams to create a seamless security perimeter between the boardwalk, the casino floor, and the surrounding streets.
• Information Sharing: Enhancing the flow of intelligence between state, county, and municipal law enforcement units, including the State Police Street Gangs Unit and the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.
• Community Engagement: Utilizing the initiative to foster better relationships with the community, a strategy Chief Sarkos has publicly supported as a significant step in enhancing safety and enjoyment.

3. High-Impact Multi-Agency Operations: "Operation Florida Keys"

The Atlantic City Police Department frequently partners with federal and state agencies to tackle large-scale criminal enterprises that impact the region. A prime example of this success is "Operation Florida Keys," a major drug trafficking investigation.

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While the operation’s initial arrests took place in 2022, the subsequent prosecutions and long-term impact remain a testament to the ACPD’s commitment to dismantling organized crime. This multi-agency task force included the ACPD, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

• The Scope: The investigation focused on a significant drug-trafficking organization operating near the first block of South Florida Avenue in Atlantic City.
• The Results: "Operation Florida Keys" culminated in the execution of ten residential search warrants, resulting in 16 arrests and the seizure of substantial quantities of drugs (heroin, cocaine, fentanyl), guns, and cash.
• Long-Term Justice: The operation led to severe consequences for those involved, including a massive 28-year prison sentence for one of the drug organization’s leaders, sending a clear message about the severity of narcotics trafficking in Atlantic City.

4. Combating Sensitive Crimes: Human Trafficking and Vice

The ACPD is actively involved in efforts to combat sensitive and complex crimes, particularly those related to human trafficking and vice. These operations often require specialized units and close collaboration with state authorities.

The department works with the New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau and the Division of Criminal Justice to conduct anti-sex trafficking investigations. These efforts are crucial in a city with a large hospitality and casino industry, ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations and maintaining the integrity of the city’s reputation. Recent investigations have led to arrests and charges, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to this critical area of enforcement.

5. Enhancing Transparency Through Digital Communication

To keep the community informed and build trust, the Atlantic City Police Department has embraced modern communication methods. A key recent initiative is the launch of a new Public Safety Newsletter.

This digital communication tool is designed to provide residents and visitors with the latest news, updates on community events, and stories directly from the Police, Fire, and Beach Patrol Departments. By proactively sharing information, the ACPD is working to increase transparency, foster better relationships with the public, and ensure that the community is aware of the department's ongoing efforts to promote a safe and secure environment.

Key Entities and Topical Authority

The Atlantic City Police Department operates within a complex network of local, county, and state agencies. Understanding these relationships is key to grasping the full scope of law enforcement in Atlantic City, NJ. The department's mission remains focused on committing its resources in partnership with the community to ensure a crime-free environment.

• Atlantic City Police Department (ACPD)
• Chief James A. Sarkos
• Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office
• New Jersey State Police Offense Report
• New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
• Atlantic City Public Safety Newsletter
• Atlantic City Violent Crime Task Force
• "Clean & Safe" Initiative
• Operation Florida Keys
• Group "A" Offenses
• Stockton University
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice
• Casino Gaming Bureau
• Ventnor Police Department
• Linwood Police Department
• Wildwood Police Department
• Atlantic City Police Foundation
• Atlantic City Beach Patrol
• Mayor Marty Small Sr. (Involved in "Clean & Safe" promotion)
• Atlantic City Municipal Court
• Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR)
• S.L.E.O. (Special Law Enforcement Officer)
• Narcotics Trafficking
• Human Trafficking Investigations
• Atlantic County Sheriff's Office
• Gateway Region Security