Atlantic City Safety Data Shows Declines in Crime as Officials Address Public Perception

Recent public safety data shows measurable improvements across Atlantic City, even as city officials acknowledge that public perception does not always reflect verified statistics.

According to reporting by The Press of Atlantic City, data presented by Police Chief James Sarkos indicates that overall crime declined by 8.6% in 2024, with an additional 19.19% decrease recorded during the first quarter of 2025. Calls for service have also dropped by more than 9% compared to the same period last year.

City and state officials emphasize that ensuring accurate information reaches residents and visitors is an important part of sustaining progress. Leaders across multiple agencies are coordinating communications to provide clear context around public safety data and ongoing initiatives.

As reported by The Press of Atlantic City, officials from the Department of Community Affairs are working alongside the City’s Public Safety Director, the Atlantic City Police Department’s Public Information Office, and community partners to align messaging and share verified information consistently.

Public safety leaders note that while crime data is trending downward, perception often lags behind measurable change. Addressing that gap requires transparency, credible sourcing, and sustained communication, particularly in communities that have experienced long-standing challenges.

Ongoing Public Safety and Infrastructure Efforts

Officials point to a range of initiatives that continue to support public safety and quality of life across the city. These include targeted patrol strategies in high-traffic areas, completion of a citywide surveillance camera system, and continued investment in neighborhood cleanliness and infrastructure maintenance.

Public Works upgrades, expanded cleaning programs, and roadway improvements along major corridors such as Baltic Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard are part of broader efforts to improve walkability, visibility, and access throughout the city.

City leaders also note that coordination between public safety, infrastructure, and community development efforts is intended to ensure that improvements are both experienced on the ground and accurately understood by the public.

Community Observations and Communication Priorities

Residents and community leaders have begun to observe changes in daily conditions, including increased foot traffic and a greater sense of comfort in some neighborhoods. Officials caution, however, that sustained progress depends on continued investment and clear communication.

City leadership has stated that aligning data, policy decisions, and public messaging remains a priority. Providing residents and visitors with timely, factual information is viewed as essential to building trust and ensuring that public narratives reflect on-the-ground conditions.

As public safety initiatives continue, officials say the focus will remain on transparency, coordination, and responsible communication — ensuring that progress is measured, contextualized, and clearly conveyed.

Source:

Read the original reporting by The Press of Atlantic City’s John O’Connor here:

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