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Atlantic City is facing a significant challenge in recruiting part-time police officers for the upcoming summer season. The city authorities have revealed that they are struggling to find enough candidates to meet their needs, losing potential hires to full-time policing roles in other towns that offer higher salaries and benefits.
The city had planned to hire 70 part-time officers through its Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO Class II) program. However, so far, only five individuals, all of whom are retired police officers, have shown interest. This shortage of officers has led the city to consider ending the SLEO Class II program and instead prioritize hiring full-time officers before next summer.
The need for more officers comes at a time when crime is increasing in Atlantic City. According to Police Chief James Sarkos, the department has received over 96,000 calls for service so far this year, and police have arrested 3,883 people, reflecting a 27.3% increase year-over-year. More than 100 firearms have also been recovered by police this year.
The city's struggle to recruit part-time officers is not unique. Many seaside towns rely on part-time police officers to handle the swell of seasonal visitors and supervise their boardwalks when temperatures warm. However, the trend of potential hires opting for full-time policing roles in other towns is becoming a common issue.
The decision to prioritize full-time officers would mirror a similar move by Ocean City, Maryland. That town announced intentions to stop offering seasonal police positions at the end of 2024, describing those jobs as being at one point one of the most-sought-after summer positions.
The city council is expected to discuss the issue further in the coming weeks. According to NJ.com, City Councilman Khaleem Shabazz said during September’s Clean and Safe meeting, “We (Atlantic City) have to start moving very quickly and aggressively to start getting ready for the summer.”