Mass Police, Firefighter Layoffs Begin In Camden, NJ

These seemingly unnecessary lay offs may make more damage and empty more pockets than this state is predicting, as we’re sure they expect to save a few bucks here; while removing patrol from their violence ridden streets.

With the crime rate in Camden being five times the national average according to the FBI, we have to take a second to ask ourselves, what the hell is going on?

Some police officers are turning in their badges as part of deep municipal layoffs that began today and that could be a blow to the quality of life in this city, one of the nation’s most impoverished and crime-ridden.

As many as 383 workers, representing one-fourth of the local government’s work force, are expected to lose their jobs, including about half the police force and one-third of the city’s firefighters.

Firefighters are planning to march to City Hall today, and Mayor Dana Redd is planning a noon news conference to talk about the layoffs in a city facing a huge budget deficit and declining state aid.