Violent crime rates continue decreasing in Camden: Officials

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPHL) — As we have officially surpassed more than half of the year, the Camden County Police Department has announced that crime rates have continued declining.

According to the Camden County Police Department, “through the first six months of 2025, total crime is down 13% and violent crime declined by another 12% over the same time last year. At this point in the year, homicides are down another 30% from this time last year, and aggravated assaults with a firearm are down 31%.”

Crime rates are currently at the lowest number recorded, making 2025 “one of the best statistical half-year totals in the last 50 years.”

The current number sits at 445, which is more than half of he crime rates in 2012, which was 999, meaning throughout the past 13 years, violent crime has decreased by 55%.

“I think it’s important to point out this data for the first six months of the year because it points to an ongoing trend of a safer, stronger city,” Camden County Board of Commissioners, Louis Cappelli Jr. said. “Many other places are struggling to get a handle on violent crime while we continue to see tangible results here in Camden City, which is an incredible thing to watch unfold. I want to thank the men and women in uniform and the community for being the biggest drivers of this reduction in crime throughout the city and region.”

“I believe these numbers are a direct reflection of the bridges we continue to build with the residents and our stakeholders to make Camden a stronger city.” Camden Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez said.

Camden City Mayor Victor Carstarphen said, “Safety is the foundation for the tremendous progress taking place across Camden,” Carstarphen said. “It’s what allows families to thrive, businesses to invest, and children to play outside without fear.”

Total crime has been dropping in Camden City since it started to be recorded in 1974. The first recorded year was 10,724 crime victims, spiking to an all-time high of 14,685 in 1991 and dropping to 3,212 crime victims last year in 2024.

“Clearly, all the key indicators and statistics are down and continue to go down even further,” Camden City Council President Angel Fuentes said.  “We are realizing progress in the form of safer streets, in addition to safer parks and tremendous open spaces that are used and loved by the entire community. Together, as a community, we are building a safer city and a better Camden.”