City of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. and Atlantic City Police Department Chief James Sarkos are announcing the city has been awarded a $3,750,000 Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Grant.

The city received funding that will include the addition of School Resource Officers.  School Resource Officers serve as a valuable resource for students, staff, and parents, providing a visible and positive presence in the school community.  They will work closely with school administrators to address issues related to student safety, such as bullying, drug use, and other forms of criminal activity.

The grant will also fund the hiring of Traffic Safety Enforcement Officers. Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Avenue in Atlantic City are ranked #1 and #6 respectively as the most dangerous roadways in Southern New Jersey.  One of the most important benefits of having dedicated traffic safety officers is their ability to focus specifically on traffic safety issues.  While many law enforcement officers are responsible for a wide range of duties, including traffic enforcement, dedicated traffic safety officers have the time and resources to focus solely on traffic safety.  This means that they can be more effective at promoting safe driving habits and reducing the number of crashes on our roads.  In addition, traffic safety officers serve as valuable resources by providing education and outreach on traffic safety issues, working closely with schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders to promote safe driving habits.  They will serve as a visible reminder of the importance of traffic safety, helping to create a culture of safe driving in our community.

News Release