Since the introduction of a county-run police force, New Jersey's most dangerous city experienced a 20 percent drop in crime, according to Governor Chris Christie.

Governor Chris Christie
Governor Chris Christie speaks at the launch of the Camden County Police Department in May. (Governor's Office/Tim Larsen)
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Camden's police department was officially disbanded in early May of this year, when the Camden County Police Department Metro Division officially took over, receiving its funding from the city and the state.

"I know we have a long way to go and a lot of things to do in Camden, but I think the approach we took was the right one," said Christie.

He noted that news about declining crime is even more exciting because the new regime still isn't at full force.

"We have another 100 police officers to hire in Camden to get up to the full complement," he explained.

Still, Christie said it's too early to determine if a county-run system should serve as a model for other dangerous New Jersey cities.

A spokesman for Camden County police said the city has seen a 40 percent drop in homicides from May 1 to July 23.

A 90-day progress report will be delivered by the Camden force next week.

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