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Camden<\/a> recorded 12 homicides in 2025 \u2014 the city\u2019s lowest total since 1985 In 2025, Camden recorded its lowest homicide total since 1985. The milestone continues a trend of declining violent and overall crime, which city officials attribute to community-based policing and expanded social services.\n<\/p>\n The Camden County Police Department<\/a> reported 12 homicides in 2025, a 29% drop from 17 in 2024. It follows the city\u2019s first homicide-free summer in 50 years<\/a>. Since 2012, homicides in Camden have fallen 82%.\n<\/p>\n It is a remarkable watershed for a city once regarded as one of the most dangerous in America. And one that has led to a safer city and increased economic development<\/a>.<\/p>\n In 2013, a county-based police force was established and replaced the Camden City\u2019s municipal police department.\n<\/p>\n Last year, overall violent crime declined 6% versus 2024, including a 32% reduction in sexual assaults and a 12% drop in robberies. Meanwhile, total crime fell 2% year over year.\n<\/p>\n The city logged 3,120 total crimes in 2025, down from 6,108 in 2012 \u2014 the final year of the former police department. That represents a 49% reduction in overall crime and a 53% decrease in violent crime since the Camden County Police Department\u2019s establishment.<\/p>\n Community first<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we started this journey almost 13 years ago it would have been hard for me to believe the amount of progress the men and women of this department have made,\u201d said Louis Cappelli Jr., director of the Camden County Board of Commissioners.<\/a> \u201cI was telling the chief not long ago that a homicide-free summer would have been a pipe dream for us at the time.\n<\/p>\n Camden crime rates: Overall violent crime declined 6% in 2025 vs. 2024 \u201cThat said, we still have a ton of work to do, and we all know that one homicide is too many in the city.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Chief Gabriel Rodriguez stressed the importance of policing through prioritizing the community and residents.\n<\/p>\n \u201cFor all the work our officers have done over 2025, I want to thank them, I also want to thank our community and our partners for trusting us and working closely with us,\u201d said Rodriguez. \u201cWe don\u2019t take the bonds we have created for granted and we will continue to keep making deposits into our neighborhoods.\n<\/p>\n \u201c2025 has a lot of bright spots, but this is no time to rest on our laurels, this needs to be a time where we double down on our commitments and continue to serve our community like never before.\u201d The department highlighted several initiatives it says have been highly beneficial to create a safer city,\u00a0such as:<\/p>\n A social worker program that pairs officers with licensed professionals to assist residents dealing with mental health issues, substance use and homelessness Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen said the city is far safer now than it has been in decades, thanks to the hard work of Rodriguez and the Camden County Police Department.\n<\/p>\n \u201cPublic safety remains our top priority and it\u2019s the foundation for Camden\u2019s celebrated transformation,\u201d said Carstarphen. \u201cWe are witnessing tangible progress in every neighborhood citywide.\u00a0The consistent engagement with residents and community policing<\/a> efforts have helped to build trust within our community.\n<\/p>\n \u201cThere is still plenty of work yet to be done, but through this collaborative effort we are building a safer and healthier Camden.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Drone donation<\/p>\n And to further help its efforts, the Camden County Police Department is accepting a $430,000 donation from the Norcross Foundation and NFI<\/a> Industries Jan. 6. The $215,000 from each will expand the department\u2019s drone program.\n<\/p>\n
\nHomicides down 82% since 2012, following creation of Camden County police<\/a> force
\nOverall violent crime fell 6% year over year, with major drops in assaults and robberies
\nOfficials credit community-based policing, social service partnerships for the gains<\/p>\n
By the numbers<\/p>\n
\nTotal crime fell 2% year over year
\n3,120 total crimes logged in 2025, down from 6,108 in 2012<\/p>\n
\n![\"Camden](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/HOPEWORKS_11.jpg\"\/)
![\"Camden](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/HOPEWORKS_11.jpg\")
The Camden County Board of Commissioners announced in June 2024 it was spearheading a multi-pronged partnership<\/a> to create alternatives for Camden students no longer engaged to the traditional school system. Speaking: Camden County Police Capt. Vivian Coley \u2013 PROVIDED BY CAMDEN COUNTY\n<\/p>\n
\nThe Hopeworks truancy program<\/a>, under which officers help reconnect disengaged teens with education and workforce development opportunities
\nWorking with the Camden County Restorative Justice Hub to provide guidance and structure for at-risk youth
\nEstablishing long-term partnerships with local partners, including the Salvation Army, the Boys and Girls Club of Camden City, Rising Leaders, I Dare to Care, Guadalupe Family Services, the Cooper Foundation, the Sixers Youth Foundation and Mighty Writers. And also working hand-in-hand with these organizations in a variety of ways, from fighting food insecurity to organizing diaper drives
\nContinuing its Village Initiative for youth and seniors
\nParticipating in several popular initiatives, including Bookmates, dodgeball and flag football programs, as well as providing outreach support for senior citizens in need
\nHosting neighborhood cleanups, lawn cutting and community events
\nAssisting seniors in severe weather events
\nProviding assistance to the city\u2019s most vulnerable<\/p>\n