Camden Police Partner With Private Firm for Added Security

A new partnership with private security firm Allied Barton means public safety ambassadors on the sidewalks of Camden to assist neighbors and members of the community, Camden County Freeholders announced on Monday.

“Today we will see another complimentary quality of life contractor working hand and hand with our police officers to ensure residents feel safe in Camden,” Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli said in a statement. “These new ambassadors will create another layer of protection for residents and will be an asset to the city in the coming weeks.”

A total of 120 men and women will work to provide assistance to residents and engagement with the community.

They will also work with the police department on quality of life issues throughout the city and the business corridors.

The ambassadors will be an extra set of eyes and ears for the Camden County Police Department in the downtown business district along Broadway, Haddon and Mount Ephraim avenues, River Road and Federal Street, officials said.

Camden County Police Department Chief Scott Thomson said the additional resource will be another tool to deter crime and provide police resources where they are most needed.

“They will provide a highly visible security presence,” Thomson said. “That will free up police officers to be in the city’s neighborhoods, doing community policing and more particularly focusing on hot spots.”

Allied Barton has worked with the City of Philadelphia over the last 20 years to enhance law enforcement and quality of life measures near the University section of the city.

“Public Safety is my number one priority and will continue to be a focus of my administration,” Camden Mayor Dana Redd said. “Our residents, business owners, and visitors deserve a safe and secure environment. I’m sure the merchants along our business corridors will also be pleased to see the additional personnel. Furthermore, the presence of the ambassadors can only bolster and further the efforts of the Camden Metro Division.”

The partnership takes effect Aug. 15.