[Opinion] Atlantic City, NJ, Police Chief Shines in Bad Situation

Atlantic City, New Jersey Chief of Police, James Sarkos does not receive the credit that he is due.

Start with the fact that his boss, the director of public safety is the often indicted Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small.

Can you imagine working in law enforcement under those circumstances? It’s a daily nightmare.

Sarkos also presently works under less than ideal conditions, as he does not have a proper working employment contract … that would provide him with proper civil service protection in New Jersey.

Sarkos has also had to navigate challenging staffing issues, as the state of New Jersey cut his ranks way too thin.

Sarkos also faces some treachery within his own department. He’s not the first paramilitary leader to face such threats to his leadership.

Despite all of these institutional disadvantages, Sarkos has thrived in his position.

In my view, he has done so because of his experience, education and polished executive skills.

If this were a children’s sandbox … you would say that Sarkos plays well with others. Sarkos is a uniter and not a divider.

All of these skillsets are required now, more than ever.

To reacquaint you with Sarkos’ impressive background:

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.

In conclusion, Sarkos is not the problem … he is the solution.

2025 should be a breakthrough year for Sarkos for a variety of reasons, including:

A resolution to the numerous criminal charges facing Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small.

We should see in the final year of Governor Murphy, a change for the better in terms of how the state oversees Atlantic City.

Finally, give Sarkos a proper employment contract during 2025 … he’s earned it.

Below, are some great Atlantic City photo galleries.