CCPD makes $1 million investment into technology

(Camden, NJ) – The Camden County Police Department has led the way throughout the state of New Jersey over the last 11 years in utilizing technology as a force multiplier for the agency. On Wednesday, the chief and the elected leadership accepted a new $1 million allocation from the state of New Jersey that will be utilized to upgrade and enhance existing key components of the department’s operating system. The newest investment follows an $8 million allocation that the state made last summer to the department.

Chief Gabriel Rodriguez talked about the importance of the systems being used in tandem with one another.

 “These new systems we are using in the city and soon in Woodlynne will continue to make us smarter in the way we execute our tasks and complete our objectives,” Rodriguez said. “Like anything else that gets older, some digital systems become obsolete over time, and it is critical that we stay ahead of the curve and continue to improve upon our existing framework in our tactical center. This money from the state will allow us to do just that, so I want to thank and applaud our legislators for delivering this infusion of funds.”

Since the first days of the department’s operation, overall crime and violent crime have both been reduced to 50-year lows. Additionally, the city has seen a 56% decrease in non–fatal shootings and a 55% decrease in shooting homicides since 2012, the last full year of operation for the Camden City Police Department.

Talking about the different digital platforms, Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. continued to underscore the vital need for these technologies and what they mean to the mission of the department.

“Our tactical room is the nerve center of the department, so it’s without question, that these funds are going to assist us in keeping our community safe,” Cappelli said. “It means we are going to be able to improve our existing tools that will ultimately give our officers a strategic advantage in the streets of the city. I want to thank our legislators for their advocacy and their willingness to secure these funds for our department.”

State Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald, talked about technology being a compounding factor in the strategy of crime reduction.

“Camden County Metro PD continues to improve safety in our neighborhoods by leveraging state of the art law enforcement technology and effective community policing strategies, making them one of the finest police forces in our state.”

Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen discussed how the funds will allow Camden to continue being a model for policing to other communities.

“Once again, the state has shown that investing in law enforcement is a critical aspect to tackling crime,” said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen.  “The Camden County Police Department have become a model for community policing and the state-of-the-art technology that we use here at the department, helps us accomplish this. The approach we are taking here in Camden is working and we are so grateful that the state has continually invested in our progress.”

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