Atlantic City Crime Continues Downward Trend in 2025, First Quarter Data Shows

The City of Atlantic City is seeing real progress in public safety. According to newly released data from the Atlantic City Police Department (ACPD), overall crime in the city has dropped by more than 11% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024—another strong signal that the Small administration’s investments in safety and technology are delivering results.

The statistics, sourced from the New Jersey State Police Offense Report, show declines across every major crime category:

• Crimes Against Persons (including homicide, assault, and sex offenses) are down 22.28%
• Crimes Against Property (including robbery, burglary, and theft) have decreased by 4.3%
• Crimes Against Society (including drug offenses, weapons offenses, and prostitution) are down 4.48%

In total, Group "A" Offenses fell from 1,427 in Q1 2024 to 1,266 in Q1 2025—an 11.28% decrease overall.

Perhaps most significantly, there were zero homicides reported in the first quarter of 2025, compared to six during the same time last year. Non-fatal shooting incidents are also down. The ACPD investigated just three shooting cases in 2025, versus eight similar incidents in early 2024—a 62.5% reduction.

“There's this exaggerated narrative that Atlantic City is not clean and safe, but the facts and data tell a different story,” said Mayor Marty Small, Sr. “The Atlantic City Police Department keeps showing why they are the best police department in the world. Whether it’s added manpower, new equipment and technology, or promotions, my administration will continue to support law enforcement in every way possible to keep this downward trend in crime going.”

ACPD responded to 24,733 calls for service in the first quarter of 2025—averaging 274 calls per day. That’s a notable decrease from the 26,523 calls for service during the same period in 2024. Arrest totals have remained steady: 1,159 individuals were charged in Q1 2025, nearly identical to last year’s 1,161. However, juvenile arrests have increased, rising from 36 in 2024 to 67 in 2025.

Ongoing initiatives like the Citywide Surveillance Camera Project—now two-thirds complete—are strengthening the city’s crime-fighting tools. New surveillance cameras are coming online each week, improving real-time response, crash analysis, and officer safety.

In addition, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) has awarded a $3 million grant to expand patrols in the Tourism District through March 2026. Beginning April 1, increased police presence on the Boardwalk and surrounding areas will include five new utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), complementing bicycle and foot patrols for greater visibility and coverage.

“I am excited about the progress we’ve made in the first quarter of 2025 and the future improvements ahead,” said ACPD Chief James A. Sarkos. “With the ongoing hard work and commitment of our officers, our partnerships with the city and community, and the integration of new technologies, I am confident that we will continue to reduce crime and make a lasting impact on public safety in Atlantic City.”

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