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Leaders marked a major milestone in Camden’s continued revitalization as the city recorded its first homicide-free summer in 50 years.
This development follows a trend of a historic reduction in violent crime for what was once one of the nation’s most dangerous cities.
A number of efforts have been responsible for the turnaround. Most notably, the establishment of the Camden County Police Department, along with a strategic focus on unity policing, prioritizing the community, and embracing technology to support officers on the streets.
Community-minded
“Growing up in the city and working as a police officer here, I don’t ever remember a time period where we went through the entire summer without a homicide,” said CCPD Chief Gabriel Rodriguez. “I believe this important marker speaks volumes to the work of the men and women in this department and their ongoing commitment to our community.”
“Public safety remains the foundation for all progress and is at the heart of our city’s revitalization,” said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. “We value the importance of a safe community, and this is evident as Camden has not had a single loss of life this summer – and is the safest it’s been in 55 years.”
Camden’s turnaround
Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen recently sat down with NJBIZ to talk about the city’s renaissance. Find out what he had to say here.
Key things to know:
- Homicide-free summer matches previous Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) from July 1 – when the agency recorded the lowest number of violent crimes in the first six months of 2025 (445), which marked one of the city’s best statistical half-year totals in the last 50 years
- 2025 marked the first year of the agency facilitating the Village Initiative, which hosts several events throughout the city, including open gym, senior bingo, Bookmates, block-party BBQs, movie nights and more
- CCPD has engaged in several new initiatives, such as dodgeball and flag football, outreach for senior citizens in need, as well as hosting several neighborhood cleanups and community events
- CCPD continues to work with community partners – including the Salvation Army, the Cooper Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club of Camden County and the Sixers Youth Foundation – to host and fund programs outside of the main operating budget. These partners provide the opportunity for a “third place” for youth and young adults while encouraging positive interactions with officers outside of work and school
- CCPD also launched a new drone program that works concurrently with the existing tactical center and eye in the sky network
- Since its first full year of operation in 2014, CCPD has reduced homicides by 64%
Strategic action
“It’s hard to believe when we started this agency and stood it up after some of the most violent years in city history that we could stand here today and talk about a homicide-free summer,” said Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. “We knew if we deployed the right strategies by working hand and hand with our residents and neighbors a day like this would come – but it wouldn’t be possible without the constant dedication of our officers.”
Safety is what allows our families to thrive, businesses to invest, and children to play outside without fear.
— Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen
“Safety is what allows our families to thrive, businesses to invest, and children to play outside without fear,” said Carstarphen. “Our officers understand the importance of community engagement, and those efforts are resulting in transformational change in every neighborhood.”
“A few short years ago, this accomplishment would have been unimaginable,” said Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay. “This is proof that when we work together, peace is possible.”
Proving the ‘power of working together’
U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, D-1st District, has played an instrumental part in securing federal funds and resources to assist the CCPD. He said this progress shows what’s possible when you in invest in community policing, work together with the community – and give officers the training and equipment they need to keep people safe.
By the numbers
Since its first full year of operation in 2014, the Camden County Police Department has reduced homicides by 64%.
“There is still more work to do, but Camden’s story proves the power of working together to build safer, stronger communities,” said Norcross.
Rodriguez echoed that sentiment.
“We still have miles to go and promises to keep our neighbors throughout the city – but make no mistake, this is a big deal and something to be recognized,” said Rodriguez. “Additionally, I would be remiss if I didn’t say that one homicide is too many in this city, and we will keep working until we don’t need to stand by a grieving mother, father, and family member.
“We will continue to work as hard as possible until we are celebrating zero victims not just for the summer – but for the entire year.”
