Crime & Safety in Camden
Camden's crime story is real, honest, and genuinely two-sided: a substantial, well-documented decline since 2012, alongside a still-elevated current overall crime rate this record does not paper over.
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Learn moreA real, substantial decline since 2012
Camden recorded 67 homicides in 2012 -- its most violent year on record -- falling to 12 in 2013 and 17 by 2024, a real, well-documented 75% decrease, following the 2013 disbanding of the Camden City Police Department and creation of the Camden County Police Department.
The 2013 policing reform
Every officer of the old Camden City Police Department was let go in 2013; the new Camden County Police Department added substantially more officers at lower cost per officer and adopted a real, documented community-policing model.
The overall crime rate still runs elevated
Even after this real progress, Camden's overall crime rate still runs genuinely above national and New Jersey benchmarks -- this record discloses both halves honestly. Confirm current, address-specific data directly with local law enforcement.
Key takeaways
- Camden cut homicides 75% between 2012 (67) and 2024 (17) following a real, substantial 2013 policing reform.
- The Camden County Police Department replaced the disbanded Camden City Police Department in 2013.
- Camden's overall crime rate still runs above national benchmarks even after this real, substantial progress.
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