Atlantic City, NJ Will Be Able To Hire Much Needed Police Officers

This is very big and welcome news!

A grant writer named Rutala Associates, a local planning firm has won the largest grant award in the state of New Jersey.

As a result, Atlantic City will receive $ 3.75 million, which will pay for the hiring of 30 new police officers.

The Atlantic City funding is part of a national program that will allow police departments all over America to hire and retain 1,730 police officers at a cost of about $ 217 million.

394 communities around the state of New Jersey  have received grant awards.

Public safety is a top priority of my Administration, and we are constantly looking for ways to make improvements, said Mayor Small. You've heard recently about some initiatives we've been taking, including forming the Boardwalk Improvement Group (BIG and installing new, state-of-the-art cameras in our neighborhoods. Now, this funding for 30 new officers will give the Atlantic City Police Department the tools they need to further our efforts to enhance safety and make this city one of the safest around, said Small.

The Atlantic City grant will include funding for School Resource Officers.

They are vital in schools today. They will work with school officials, parents and the community at large to deal with student safety issues …  such as bullying, drug use, and other forms of criminal activity.

One of the most important benefits of having School Resource Officers in our schools is their ability to build positive relationships with students, said Jim Chief Sarkos. These officers serve as positive role models and mentors for students, helping to build trust and respect between law enforcement and the community. By collaborating with school administrators, parents, and community leaders, the officers can help to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, said Sarkos.

This money could not have come at a better time, because the grant will also provide funding for Safety Enforcement Officers.

They are much needed as Atlantic City’s Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Avenue in are ranked #1 and #6 as the most dangerous roadways in Southern New Jersey.