$5M Camera Project Underway in AC
A $5 Million camera project is designed to make Atlantic City a safer place to live, work and visit.
On Nov. 2, 2023, Mayor Marty Small, Sr. announced the start 0f installation of 1,000 new state-of-the art cameras in more than 200 locations across the resort.
According to a report from the mayor’s office, the citywide surveillance upgrade project will enhance public safety, reduce crime, increase Atlantic City Police Department emergency response time, and improve the efficiency of ACPD investigations. “This is yet another effort to make the great city of Atlantic City a cleaner and safer city,” said Mayor Small. “Projects like this have always been talked about, and now it is finally getting done under the Small administration. This gives the Atlantic City Police Department, the best police department in the world, more eyes on the streets as we look to improve public safety, especially in our neighborhoods.”
Announced in 2022, the $5 million camera upgrade project is being funded with supplemental city aid from the state and will come at no cost to Atlantic City taxpayers. The total installation time is estimated at 18 months.
According to the ACPD, each camera being installed consists of four fixed lenses, allowing for 360-degree monitoring views and up to 40x optical zoom, with Pan-Tilt-Zoom capabilities. The cameras can differentiate among objects, clothing, hair colors, and directions. “The Atlantic City Police Department is a strong believer that technology acts as a force multiplier. We leverage it in our day-to-day operations, and it has totally transformed the way we do things,” said ACPD Chief of Police James Sarkos.
Some of ACPD’s recent tech implementations also include the use of gunshot-detection system ShotSpotter, the opening of a new 24/7 surveillance center, and the start of a public and private camera sharing initiative PACT (Protecting Atlantic City Together).
Atlantic City Electric is a partner in the camera installation project, and JCT Solutions are currently installing the infrastructure for the fiber optic networks. The camera project is expected to be completed by 2025.