Successful Practices & Strategies Vol. 2 | No. 2

Camden County Police Department 

Camden, New Jersey 

http://camdencountypd.org/

Community policing element 

Problem solving 

Problem/issue 

Gun related homicides 

Problem description 

The crime epidemic in Camden has been infamous nationally. For example, in 2013, Camden 

experienced 47 homicides involving a firearm, 57 total homicides, and 380 aggravated assault incidents 

with a firearm. 

Community policing strategies implemented 

The Camden County Police Department (CCPD) proactively looks at crime maps and patterns in order to 

provide officers with real time crime data. This supply of timely and accurate data allows for increased 

capacity to address community concerns. These resources allow us to address various public safety 

issues in an efficient manner. Additionally, the increase in staffing has helped our gun violence reduction 

efforts. The CCPD has implemented some state-of-the-art technological advancements. Inside its real 

time tactical operation intelligence center (RTTOIC), analysts monitor surveillance cameras throughout 

the city. The eye in the sky (EIS) camera system spans the neighborhoods and business corridors of the 

city. The surveillance camera network works in concert with other technology systems monitored in the 

RTTOIC. The RTTOIC is operated twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week and acts as a nerve 

center for deployment of law enforcement resources, response to emergency call for service, and 

monitoring technology systems. In addition to improving operational coordination, this technology 

allows the department to coordinate with field units to detect and respond to observed conditions, 

increasing intelligence and information sharing. 

Change and/or impact as a result of these community policing efforts 

There are several indicators the department can highlight, including gun seizures and homicide 

reduction. The Camden County Police Department has recovered 58 firearms over the last three 

months. Furthermore, increased staffing has enhanced the level and frequency of communication with 

the community on crime problems and agency activities to enhance transparency. Moreover, the city 
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has made noteworthy reductions of homicides in the past year. We have seen a 41.7 percent drop in 

homicides involving a firearm and a 42.1 percent drop in total homicides in the past two years. 

Lessons learned through program implementation 

In accordance with the community oriented policing philosophy, the department has incorporated an 

intelligence-led, capabilities-based structure to the city of Camden. The COPS Office investments build 

on the ongoing efforts of law enforcement deployment, emergency response services, and monitoring 

technology systems, including gunshot detection, license plate readers, and automatic vehicle location 

systems. Embracing the philosophy of community policing, the CCPD will engage community members, 

business owners, and youth to facilitate information sharing, trust, and communication. Community 

partnerships, problem solving, and organizational transformation have served as a resource to develop 

strategies and solutions to addressing gun violence. 

The opinions contained herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the 

U.S. Department of Justice. References to specific agencies, companies, products, or services should not be considered an 

endorsement by the author(s) or the U.S. Department of Justice. Rather, the references are illustrations to supplement 

discussion of the issues. 

The Internet references cited in this document were valid as of the date of publication. Given that URLs and websites are in 

constant flux, neither the author(s) nor the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services can vouch for their current validity. 

Published 2015