The layoffs would leave Camden without half the current number of police officers and a third of its firefighters.
At the Final Touch Barber Shop on Haddon Avenue, there is no shortage of opinion concerning the upcoming layoffs of Camden firefighters and police officers.
"We have a business in East Camden, and I'm a little concerned about stick ups and things like that. And my family owns this, and I'm a little concerned about them at night time," said Joshua Lopez.
On January 18th, 180 police officers will lose their jobs along with 81 firefighters. In all, nearly one third of Camden's Municipal work force will be laid off. That's a total of 400 people. It's the result of a $26.5 million budget deficit.
"How can you tell me and how can you tell the public that you're putting their interest first, when you're taking away their protection," said Camden FOP President, John Williamson.
Williamson says police have agreed to wage freezes and other concessions.
Not enough according to Mayor Dana Redd, who in a statement says: "This administration has already committed $4 million to save jobs in the police department. We have asked them to match dollar for dollar, and they have not come close to matching it."
"If we were to concede everything, it would not change the fact that the city was going to move forward with laying off police officers," said Williams.
With four shootings just last Sunday and a reputation as the nation's second most dangerous city, residents are concerned for their safety.
"Crime is just going to go chaotic and it's going to get out of control," said Charlene Riddick.
"If you're going to call a police officer who is on one side because of the shortage, how is he going to get to the other side?" asked Wanda Ruiz.
While city officials say Camden will be protected there are plenty of skeptics who wonder just how that will happen with nearly half of the police force and a third of the fire department gone.