Atlantic City, NJ, Chief of Police: Deserves Employment Contract

It’s time for the state of New Jersey to step-up and show James Sarkos the respect that he has earned and deserves.

In fairness, the embattled Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small has consistently been supportive of Sarkos.

Sarkos has led the Atlantic City Police Department since October 1, 2020, following the retirement of former Chief Henry White.

Sarkos operated under the job title of “Officer in Charge.”

This vague job title went on for a ridiculously long time, until November 17, 2022, when Sarkos was finally sworn-in as Atlantic City Chief of Police.

It’s hard to believe that Sarkos has worked as Chief without a proper employment contract for more than 2 1/4 years.

This is just plain wrong and the state of New Jersey should rectify this injustice at the earliest possible time.

Sarkos has led the Atlantic City Police Department for more than 5 years … all without a proper employment contract.

The new Director of Public Safety, Sean Riggin should make this a high priority … as it’s actually one of the only areas that Sarkos actually needs his help.

The state of New Jersey is paying Sean Riggin very well for a civilian leadership position that has been a failure each and every time that Atlantic City has employed it over many years.

Sarkos has been a member of the Atlantic City Police Department for almost 25 years.

Sarkos possesses a significant and impressive background. His qualifications are voluminous and exemplary as follows:

Sarkos started his law enforcement career at the very bottom of the ranks, in 1995 as a Class One Special Law Enforcement Officer (S.L.E.O.) for the Ventnor Police Department. He worked as a Class Two S.L.E.O. for the Wildwood Police Department during the summers of 1996-1999. He was hired as a full-time police officer for the Linwood Police

Department in October 1999. In October 2000 he started his career with the Atlantic City Police Department. Promoted to sergeant in 2006, lieutenant in 2011, captain in 2016 and deputy chief in 2018 he has supervised in the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Section and Special Investigations Section. He has also served on the S.W.A.T. Team as an operator, team leader and commander and served as a patrol officer and vice detective earlier in his career.

Sarkos has received at least 15 departmental commendations throughout his career; including twelve awards from the PBA including three life savings medals and supervisor of the year, a valor award from the American Legion, two valor awards and a certificate of commendation from the 200

Club, State of N.J. General Assembly Citation, recognized by the Bangladeshi Association of Atlantic County for dedication and services to the Atlantic City Community, certificate of appreciation from Stockton University, certificate of appreciation from the United States Secret Service and was the recipient of the Atlantic Cape Community College President's Distinguished Alumni Award.

Sarkos holds an Associates of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Atlantic Cape Community College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Stockton University, and a Master of Arts degree from Seton Hall University Police Graduates Studies Program in Human Resources Training and Development (3.95 GPA). He is also a graduate of the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police West Point Command and Leadership Program and Rutgers University / NJ Civil Service Commission Certified Public Manager Program.

Sarkos’ résumé is highly impressive and he has earned an employment contract. The state of New Jersey should rectify this injustice without any further delay.

The job of public safety officer has never been more dangerous… Such as the case in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

NOTE: James Sarkos, Atlantic City Chief of Police did not participate in the preparation of this opinion editorial.

Below, are photos of Marty Small, Ed Jacobs, La’Quetta Small and the Atlantic City firefighters and Atlantic City police officers in action.