6 Months Later, a Murder & Violence Update in Atlantic City, NJ

2024 couldn’t have started worse for Atlantic City, New Jersey, in terms of murders and violent crimes.

Something needed to be done and real fast.

The new year was not even hours old and the first two murders were recorded.

This would be followed by two more murders before the end of the first week of 2024.

This was immediately followed by the 5th murder of 2024 that took place, when a man was shot in the throat and killed at 119 North Virginia Avenue.

Atlantic City had faced a violent murder (on average) once every 4 days during January, 2024.

It was obviously unacceptable and something needed to be done without further delay.

The city, neighboring communities and the entire state had been forced to standby and witness Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small prioritized the hiring of ex-offenders … while not focusing on the root problem, which was the rampant violent crime that was occurring in Atlantic City on a daily basis.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has taken charge as the lead law enforcement agency for all murders and major crimes in Atlantic City and all of Atlantic County.

They do an excellent job.

I proposed back in late January, 2024, that it would be a good idea to place Atlantic County Prosecutor Will Reynolds in charge of law enforcement in Atlantic City.

Atlantic City Police Chief Jim Sarkos reporting directly to Small was not working.

Sarkos is highly competent … Small, as the civilian director of public safety was a disaster.

Sarkos has rededicated his efforts to crack down on violent crime in Atlantic City.

With 2024 now more than half over, things regarding violent crime has improved in Atlantic City.

However, Sarkos well knows that there is still much more to do.