CCPD and City join forces to arrest illegal dumpers

(Camden, NJ) – Commissioner Al Dyer joined Congressman Donald Norcross, Chief Gabriel Rodriguez, Mayor Victor Carstarphen and other city leaders on Monday to talk about the impact that federal funds have made on the agency’s ability to arrest, fine, and impound the vehicles of illegal dumpers in Camden City. The allocation of funds was used to enhance and improve the quality of life for city residents and the greater community by holding accountable suspects that dump hundreds of thousands of pounds of trash in the city every year.

In addition, Mayor Carstarphen announced a new reward program that will be in effect and will essentially make a monetary reward to anyone who can provide credible evidence to law enforcement that facilitates the arrest of an illegal dumper. Camden City Council passed an ordinance on June 11, that allowed the city to provide this reward to anyone who provides police the ability facilitate an arrest. The new ordinance provides compensation of $500 and up to $1,000 for information and assistance to law enforcement which leads to the apprehension and conviction of a suspect.

“Having these tools has been invaluable for our law enforcement professionals and has allowed them to bring to justice individuals who have treated the city like their own personal landfill with no regard to the residents or our community,” Commissioner Dyer said. “Seeing the stupidity of some contractors and landlords, that were either too lazy or looking to save money, dump their trash on our streets is always appalling, but now those same individuals will need to think twice before they act. Furthermore, we know we couldn’t have turned the corner on this issue without the help of our Congressman, Donald Norcross.”

Congressman Donald Norcross discussed how securing federal funds for an improved camera system will help stop illegal dumping across the city of Camden from now on.

“Illegal dumping is wrong and dangerous for our communities. It is inexcusable for any company or person to use Camden City as their trashcan. Many of these groups come from out of town, and likely out of state, and dump debris illegally in our neighborhoods,” Congressman Donald Norcross said. “I was proud to secure $500,000 in community project funding for a citywide camera network that is now catching perpetrators in the act and being prosecuted. This is how it is supposed to work.  The residents, law enforcement, and every level of government are coming together to say if you compromise the health and safety of the entire community, you will be held responsible.”

Mayor Victor Carstarphen explained how these tools signify a new chapter in Camden City, one that has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal dumping.

“Illegal dumping in Camden will not be tolerated,” Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen said. “We are grateful to Congressman Norcross for fighting for federal funding used to purchase this essential crime fighting equipment.  The cameras have been incredibly helpful with deterring dumping while providing the evidence needed to prosecute those who are caught in the act.  In addition, the city’s new illegal dumping rewards program will provide a monetary reward to anyone who provides police with information which leads to an arrest.  I urge our residents to remain vigilant and report anyone doing harm to our community. If you see something, please say something.”

Chief Gabriel Rodriguez talked about the added level of technology providing another pair of eyes for police on the streets.

“There is no question on this subject, these cameras have been a force multiplier for us and have illuminated darkened spaces where dumpers go to pollute our community with their trash,” Rodriguez said. “I’m looking forward to talking about some of the different cases in which we have made arrests and sent a clear signal that this type of activity will not be tolerated in Camden City.”