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

The Atlantic City Police Department (ACPD) is currently navigating a period of significant transformation, marked by encouraging crime statistics and a renewed focus on community-centric policing strategies. As of late 2024 and into the first quarter of 2025, the department has reported a notable decline in overall offenses, a positive trend that officials attribute to strategic deployment plans and enhanced community partnerships. This shift is critical for a city that serves as a major tourist destination in New Jersey, balancing the needs of its residents with the demands of its bustling casino and tourism industries.

The ACPD’s commitment to public safety is evident in its continuous efforts to bolster its ranks and implement cutting-edge technology. Under the leadership of Chief James Sarkos, the department is actively working to increase police visibility, strengthen community trust, and utilize data-driven methods to ensure Atlantic City remains a safe place for both locals and millions of annual visitors. The following is an in-depth look at the department’s structure, leadership, and the five major initiatives driving its success in 2025.

ACPD Leadership and Biographical Profile: Chief James Sarkos

The Atlantic City Police Department is led by Chief of Police James Sarkos, a veteran officer whose career has been defined by a commitment to strategic planning and technological integration in law enforcement. His leadership is central to the department's current operational success and reform efforts.

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• Name: James A. Sarkos
• Current Role: Chief of Police, Atlantic City Police Department (ACPD)
• Appointment: Sworn in as permanent Chief of Police in 2022.
• Previous Roles: Served as Interim Officer in Charge starting in 2020. His leadership experience includes supervising the Patrol Division and other key units.
• Key Initiatives: Prior to becoming Chief, he was the project manager for several major ACPD initiatives, notably the Boardwalk Camera Project and the ACPD Surveillance systems.
• Focus: His tenure has emphasized a data-driven approach, increased police visibility, and the implementation of modern policing reforms.
• Leadership Team: The Chief works alongside Deputy Chiefs to manage the department's structure and operations.

The 2025 Crime Report: A Significant Downward Trend

One of the most compelling updates from the Atlantic City Police Department in 2025 is the substantial improvement in its crime statistics. This positive trend is a direct result of the department's strategic operational changes and increased staffing levels.

Overall Offenses Drop by Double Digits

According to reports released in the first quarter of 2025, overall crime in Atlantic City has seen a significant reduction. Data compiled from the New Jersey State Police Offense Report indicates that overall offenses are down by more than 11% compared to the same period in 2024. This drop is a major indicator of the effectiveness of the ACPD’s modern deployment and community policing strategies. The department reported over 1,160 arrests in the first three months of 2025, further illustrating active enforcement efforts.

Addressing Staffing and Resource Needs

Despite the positive statistics, the department continues to face challenges, particularly concerning resource allocation. In early 2024, the Atlantic City Police Benevolent Association (PBA) highlighted concerns over homicides in the city, emphasizing the critical need to provide the ACPD with necessary resources to maintain public safety. Recognizing this need, the city has actively sought to expand its force. A grant secured in March 2024 brought 30 new officers to the department, and an additional 15 new officers were welcomed in July 2025. The ACPD currently maintains a full-time staff of approximately 295 officers and 42 civilian staff, with ongoing plans to hire more officers and reposition existing ones to maximize street presence.

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Five Key Initiatives Driving ACPD’s Success

The Atlantic City Police Department’s success is not accidental; it is the result of several targeted, modern initiatives designed to enhance police visibility, leverage technology, and deepen community connections. These programs form the backbone of the department's strategy for a safer Atlantic City.

1. Strategic Deployment and Enhanced Visibility

The ACPD has fundamentally changed how its officers are deployed across the city. A new deployment plan, which includes 11-hour shifts, was implemented to increase police visibility and responsiveness, especially during peak hours. This strategic repositioning of officers is part of a broader community policing initiative aimed at ensuring residents and visitors see a consistent, strong police presence on the streets, boardwalk, and in neighborhoods.

2. The Boardwalk Camera and Surveillance Project

Under the guidance of Chief Sarkos, the department has heavily invested in surveillance technology. The Boardwalk Camera Project and the broader ACPD Surveillance systems are critical tools for crime prevention and investigation. These systems provide real-time monitoring of high-traffic and high-crime areas, allowing officers to respond quickly and effectively to incidents, and providing invaluable evidence for prosecution.

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3. Project P.A.C.T. (Protecting Atlantic City Together)

Project P.A.C.T. is a key community outreach initiative that underscores the department's commitment to collaborative policing. This program, which stands for Protecting Atlantic City Together, is one of several efforts designed to foster a closer working relationship between police and the public. It represents a shift towards proactive engagement rather than purely reactive enforcement.

4. Comprehensive Youth and Community Outreach Programs

Building trust with the city's youth is a long-term strategy for crime reduction. The Atlantic City Police Department supports several youth-focused entities, most notably the Atlantic City Police Athletic League (PAL). PAL is an independently run, community-based agency affiliated with the ACPD that provides youth mentoring, leadership development, and various athletic programs. The Atlantic City Police Foundation also provides significant funding for these youth programs and general police-community outreach events, ensuring a continuous positive presence in the lives of young residents.

5. Commitment to New Jersey’s Police Reform

The ACPD is actively participating in the state’s broader law enforcement modernization efforts. The department is a key part of New Jersey's "Excellence in Policing" initiative, which is a comprehensive effort to bolster police-community trust and implement what has been called "the nation's most ambitious police reform." These reforms cover areas from use-of-force policies to de-escalation training, ensuring the ACPD operates with the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. Furthermore, the department participates in public safety initiatives like the Prescription Drug Drop Off Box, which helps address the opioid crisis and remove unused medications from circulation.

Future Outlook and Financial Commitment

The financial health of the Atlantic City Police Department is secured by the city's commitment to public safety. The 2025 City of Atlantic City budget has been announced, ensuring that the department has the necessary funds to continue its operations, recruitment, and technology upgrades. The focus remains on maintaining the downward trend in crime, expanding the officer ranks through new recruitment classes, and strengthening the bonds of trust with the diverse communities it serves. The Atlantic City Police Department is clearly positioning itself as a model for modern, community-focused law enforcement in a dynamic urban environment.