New Legislation Seeks to Enhance Safety in Atlantic City [AUDIO]

Gov. Chris Christie has grand plans for the revitalization of Atlantic City, but those dreams aren't likely to be fully realized unless potential visitors are confident they'll be safe in the resort town. Today, members of the Assembly Tourism and Gaming Committee are scheduled to consider a bill designed to enhance safety.

Under the measure, all casino-hotels would be required to install and maintain security cameras in every stairwell, including any parking facility. The cameras would provide security guards with clear and continuous visual monitoring and recording of all activity throughout the stairwell at all times.

"I was surprised to find out that in certain hotel-casinos the stairwells are not protected by camera security," said bill co-sponsor, Assemblywoman Celeste Riley (D-Salem). "That leads to a lot of potential for predators or situations where you could really be not protected."

The legislation also requires that all recorded material must include the date and time of its recording and must be preserved for at least one year. The bill also directs the Division of Gaming Enforcement to develop specifications for security camera systems, ensure compliance and adopt necessary regulations.

"These cameras, it's amazing how effective they are in catching criminals and criminal activities," Riley said. "For people from outside New Jersey or inside New Jersey who are thinking about going to Atlantic City, I want them to know that the State of New Jersey is absolutely serious about ensuring their safety."

If it passed the full legislature and is signed into law by the governor, the bill would take effect 90 days after enactment, but the Division of Gaming Enforcement may take any necessary administrative action in advance.