Atlantic City’s Safety Data Improves as Officials Target Public Perception Gap

Atlantic City’s commitment to becoming a safer, stronger community is yielding tangible results, with city officials actively working to ensure these improvements are recognized and felt throughout the community.

According to a recent article by John O’Connor in The Press of Atlantic City, data presented by Police Chief James Sarkos indicates that crime decreased by 8.6% in 2024, with an additional 19.19% reduction observed in the first quarter of 2025. Calls for service have also declined by over 9% compared to the same period last year, and more than 170 arrests have been made in the past two weeks alone.

City and state leaders are collaborating to ensure these advancements contribute to a broader shift in public perception. As The Press of Atlantic City reports, officials from the Department of Community Affairs are coordinating communications with the city’s Public Safety Director Sean Riggin, the Police Department’s Public Information Office, and community-based partners to disseminate information about the city's progress.

The message is clear: Atlantic City is safer, cleaner, and more united than ever. However, reshaping outdated perceptions requires continuous effort. Local leaders recognize that for every negative headline, there are numerous untold stories about neighborhood revitalization, family-friendly activities, walkable communities, and strong community-police partnerships.

Strategic Investments Enhancing Community Safety

These improvements are the result of deliberate initiatives. In his 2025 State of the City address, Mayor Marty Small Sr. detailed several proactive measures undertaken to enhance public safety and improve residents' quality of life.

Key initiatives include:

• Increased police patrols in high-traffic areas such as Atlantic and Pacific Avenues, the Boardwalk, and Renaissance Plaza to ensure a visible and reassuring presence.
• The near completion of a citywide surveillance camera system, enhancing real-time monitoring and deterrence capabilities.
• The continuation of the Clean Communities program, now in its fourth year, focusing on neighborhood beautification and cleanliness to foster community pride.
• Upgrades by the Department of Public Works, including the acquisition of new Madvac cleaning vehicles, a street sweeper, and improved snow emergency equipment to maintain safe and clean public spaces.
• Infrastructure improvements such as paving projects on Baltic Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, with upcoming work on Atlantic Avenue aimed at improving accessibility and pedestrian safety.

Community Observations and Evolving Perceptions

Residents are noticing these positive changes. As highlighted by The Press of Atlantic City, individuals in neighborhoods like Chelsea have observed a visible transformation. One community leader noted an increase in people, including women, walking comfortably at night—a subtle yet significant indicator of progress.

Nonetheless, city officials understand that changing perception takes time. Therefore, communication efforts are being prioritized alongside physical improvements to ensure that both residents and visitors not only experience enhanced safety but also understand the comprehensive vision driving Atlantic City’s transformation.

Looking Forward

Atlantic City’s leadership remains dedicated to sustaining this positive trajectory by aligning public safety, infrastructure, community development, and communication efforts within a cohesive strategy.

The data is compelling. The initiatives are in motion. The partnerships are robust. Now, the focus is on ensuring that the public narrative accurately reflects the on-the-ground reality.

Crime is decreasing. Community confidence is rising. Perceptions are evolving. Atlantic City is progressing.

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Read the original reporting by The Press of Atlantic City’s John O’Connor here:

Atlantic City's crime rate is dropping. See the numbers.

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Watch Mayor Marty Small’s 2025 State of the City Address:

YouTube: State of the City 2025