Inside the department's drone operations center, officers monitor Camden from the air using a fleet that includes three rooftop-launched drones and two that can be deployed from mobile locations.
Police officials say the technology has allowed them to respond more quickly to incidents and track suspects in real time.
"We've been able to capture offenders fleeing from the scene as well because when a call comes out, you click a button and this drone gets there within seconds," said Camden County Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez.
The drone program launched six months ago with seven drones. On Tuesday, officials announced a $430,000 donation that will add two more drones to the fleet.
Mayor Vic Carstarphen said the expanded program coincides with improvements reflected in the city's crime data.
"The addition of this technology, it makes the experience even better for our kids," Carstarphen said. "We're going to have challenges, but they've been mitigated. We're talking about crime stats that are going down."
According to year-end data released by the city, Camden recorded 12 homicides in 2025, down from 17 in 2024 and 30 in 2023. Violent crime overall decreased by 6% compared with 2024.
While FBI data shows crime declined nationwide last year, Camden officials credit local reductions to combinations of new technologies, including drones and ShotSpotter systems, and community-centered policing strategies.
"My approach as chief is to make sure our first interactions with our community are positive interactions," Rodriguez said. "Not when something bad has happened in someone's life."
Some residents say they have noticed improvements in police engagement.
"There's several officers that really look out for me," said Camden resident Brenda Barnes. "I'm 80 years old and they make a point of coming to visit me."
Others say more attention should be given to specific issues.
"More clean up, more drug enforcement. I don't see a lot of that going on," said Camden resident Billy Hill.
Another resident emphasized the importance of personal connections among neighbors.
"I would like to see it go back where if we see an older person walking with a bag, we had to help them," said Melodee Jones of Sicklerville, who grew up and works in Camden.
The $430,000 donation announced Tuesday, from the Norcross Foundation and NFI Industries, is the largest private donation in the history of the Camden County Police Department.
The new drones will join the rooftop fleet and be used to help monitor neighborhoods, identify illegal dumping and track ATV activity across the city.