Metro Division Officers Take to the Streets

A new type of officer hit the streets of South Jersey today.

More than 30 members of the new Camden County Police Department Metro Division will be deployed on the streets of New Jersey's most impoverished city.

In addition, 23 new officers will begin field training with former members of the Camden police department. Those officers will share their experience of patrolling the streets.

“The training officers are familiar with the city and will share their firsthand experience and knowledge with their colleagues,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. in a press release. “When the officers of the Metro Division are on the streets and in the neighborhoods of Camden, the impact of this aggressive move against crime will be immediately visible.”

The new Camden County police force is planned to take over patrols from the city force on April 30.

The county force has offered jobs to 140 current officers and 120 outside officers.

The new operation is to have 400 workers including police and civilians.

More changes are in the works to fight crime in Camden.

“While I am thrilled that the first wave of Camden Metro Police Officers are hitting the streets, enforcement is just one piece of the puzzle in our efforts to making Camden a safer place to live, work and visit,” said Camden Mayor Dana Redd. “The new Quality of Life Task Force for Neighborhood Safety will seek to address the many concerns our residents have been asking for and deserve.”

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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