CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — While big cities like Philadelphia saw significant increases in violent crime last year, the numbers were mostly flat in Camden. For Camden's top cop, however, that's still not good enough.
Overall, violent crime was up about 2% in Camden while non-violent crime like burglary and theft were down about 4%. The number of homicides remained the same, at 23.
"I am pleased of course with the numbers but not satisfied, if that makes any sense," said Police Chief Gabe Rodriguez. He said there's still a long way to go to achieve his goals. Though there were only 23 homicides, he said that's 23 homicide victims too many.
"I understand the struggles. I understand the concerns. I understand that everyone in Camden City deserves a better quality of life because I've stood in those shoes. I've been there," he empathized.
View Camden crime infographics below.
For Rodriguez, expanding on what's working is a key to taking the next step. He said he was encouraged by the success of curfew programs that get kids off the street at night and into community centers for basketball and other healthy activities.
"And offering them help, not looking to get them in trouble or [summoning] their parents and put them in a worse predicament that they were in before - identifying the root of the problem, and we did," he said.
"We realized that a lot of kids were roaming the streets because they had no food at home."
Rodriguez stressed it's important for police to strengthen the relationships with community groups and build more trust between law enforcement and the people they're sworn to serve and protect.
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