The Camden County Police Department Metro Division will be fully operational Wednesday with the swearing in of J. Scott Thomson as Chief. An additional 66 officers will join the Metro Division’s growing ranks and commence foot patrols in Camden’s historic Fairview neighborhood.
“This will be a significant day for Camden County as it marks the final milestone in the establishment of the Camden County Police Department,” Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said. “Chief Thomson and the entire Camden County Police Department have come together as a professional cohesive unit, and we know they will surpass all of the expectations we have for them.”
Earlier this month, the Camden County Police Department Metro Division began deploying officers into Camden City neighborhoods on foot. Dispatching more “Boots on the Ground” enables police to proactively patrol the neighborhoods while cultivating relationships with residents and business owners. This is essential to their mission of preventing crime rather than reacting to reports of crime.
“Protecting our residents and improving their quality of life has been the driving force to making this transition a reality,” Camden Mayor Dana Redd said. “Our children, families, and businesses deserve to live and work in safe communities.”
The Metro Division is not being funded by County property taxpayers, but through Camden City’s property tax revenue and state funds for municipal aid. If other towns wish to join the regional police department, which is voluntary, they will pay for police protection as a shared service.
“Our number one priority is to keep the residents of Camden County safe,” Cappelli said. “These sworn police officers are making a tremendous impact in our County Seat, and by doing so are making Camden County a safer place to live for all residents.”
