(NewsNation) — Camden, New Jersey, once known as one of the most violent cities in the nation, is celebrating a homicide-free summer — its first in 50 years.
Democratic Mayor Victor Carstarphen told NewsNation he credits the city’s community policing initiative as one reason for the drop in violence.
“Working together. Our community policing and our police department engaging with our community — getting to know our residents over the years. building blocks, trust, confidence and it all comes together and you have when you have organizations and everyone working together for a better community,” said Carstarphen.
In 2014, Camden famously abolished the City of Camden Police Department and embraced a community-driven law enforcement approach with the Camden County Police Department. Homicides in the city have dropped by 64% since, according to NJ.com.
“It brings a positive culture in the city,” said Carstarphen. “And this summer, providing platforms for our children and programming initiatives. Our police department has just really been unity policing, and that’s and that’s really where it starts at, that’s public safety is where it starts at.”
There have been eight homicides in Camden so far in 2025. Last year, Camden recorded 18 homicides. There were 28 in both 2023 and 2022.
Carstarphen said it’s not just law enforcement that deserves the credit; the community does as well.
“We were one of the most dangerous municipalities in the United States of America. We hanged our police department in 2014 and what you see is just the work that’s been done from that time to this time… Just working together in our community and building the trust and confidence with the residents,” he said. “That’s at the core: When you build the trust and confidence with your residents, your residents feel comfortable in talking to our police officers.”