Statistics show overall crime down 30 percent in Camden

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- Camden has consistently been labeled one of the most dangerous cities in the nation, but now fewer crimes are being committed.

Homicides are down 51 percent from 2012, shootings down 45 percent in the last two years and total violent crime is down 22 percent.

Police Chief Scott Thomson took Action News around to show us what's different and explain why.

"This was the hub of where most of your suburbanites would come into to purchase their heroin," said Chief Thomson.

Now, the drug activity has all but disappeared on this corner. Sister Helen Kole has run a social service agency at 5th and State streets for 24 years.

"There's just a huge difference. The biggest difference is the drug dealers aren't standing right on the corner. You don't have to say, 'Excuse me,' to get by them," said Kole.

In May 2013, Camden took the bold step of replacing its metro police force with a new county force.

The old force was comprised of about 240 officers and now close to 400 cops patrol Camden's streets.

"They're more visible, they're are more visible. I will grant you that," said William Smith, resident.

The officers are also patrolling differently - riding bikes and walking the beat.

"Our cops are not driving by in squad cars with their windows rolled up. They're out of their cars. Their expectations are that they are engaging people, they are talking to people," said Chief Thomson.

That community policing strategy is being combined with cutting edge technology.

Chief Thomson took Action News inside the city's Real Time Tactical Operational Intelligence Center.

Analysts track officers with GPS to make sure they're are deployed efficiently and effectively. They monitor 121 surveillance cameras.

"It makes us smarter, it makes us faster, it broadens the scope of our coverage," said Chief Thomson.

He says the statistics are a good measure of success, but even better is that Camden residents are starting to feel safe.

"How they judge their quality of life is - can they walk to their corner store, can their child play in front of their home? Two years ago, the answer to that was, 'No.' Now it's a resounding, 'Yes," said Chief Thomson.

Everyone acknowledges that there is a great deal of work still to be done.

For now the county force still only patrols in Camden. City leaders say that could change soon, they believe two other Camden County communities will join the force within the next year.