Atlantic County, NJ Sees Significant Crime Decline in 2025

Collaboration between sheriff's department and local police leads to 50% drop in homicides and non-fatal shootings

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The 2025 crime statistics for Atlantic County, New Jersey show a significant decline in violent crime, with homicides and non-fatal shootings both dropping by 50% compared to the previous year. The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office credited the proactive efforts of the Atlantic County Sheriff's Department and local police departments for these improved results, highlighting their collaborative approach to public safety.

Why it matters

The dramatic reduction in violent crime in Atlantic County demonstrates the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies working together to address community safety concerns. The use of bail reform as a public safety tool, along with a focus on detaining the most dangerous offenders, has led to tangible improvements in the lives of residents.

The details

According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, homicides declined from 16 in 2024 to just 8 in 2025, with a 100% clearance rate. Non-fatal shootings were also reduced by 50%, from 28 to 14 incidents, while the clearance rate for those shootings increased to 86%. Overall, total shootings declined by approximately 69%, from 45 incidents in 2021 to just 14 in 2025, with clearance rates increasing from 62% to 86%.

  • In 2025, Atlantic County saw a 50% decline in homicides compared to 2024.
  • Non-fatal shootings in Atlantic County were reduced by 50% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
  • Total shootings in Atlantic County declined by approximately 69% from 2021 to 2025.

The players

Atlantic County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency responsible for providing county-wide policing services and working collaboratively with local police departments to address crime in Atlantic County.

Atlantic City Police Department

The municipal police department serving the city of Atlantic City, which worked closely with the Atlantic County Sheriff's Department and other local agencies to achieve the significant crime reduction in 2025.

Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office

The office responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in Atlantic County, which praised the efforts of local law enforcement and highlighted the use of bail reform as a public safety tool in achieving the 2025 crime statistics.

Will Reynolds

The Atlantic County Prosecutor, who credited the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and the use of bail reform for the significant decline in violent crime in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Violent crime was reduced by using Bail Reform as a public safety tool. The credit belongs to our Assistant Prosecutors and Detectives, who successfully detained the most violent offenders at a rate of 47 percent, compared to the state average of 18 percent. Atlantic County leads the state in detaining the most dangerous individuals, and the results are clear.”

— Will Reynolds, Atlantic County Prosecutor (Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office)

“These numbers represent lives saved and families spared unimaginable loss. Our approach treats substance abuse as a public health challenge that requires compassion, coordination, and accountability. By working with law enforcement, public health partners, and community stakeholders, we remain focused on prevention, rapid response, and long-term solutions.”

— Will Reynolds, Atlantic County Prosecutor (Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office)

What’s next

The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office will continue to work closely with the Sheriff's Department and local police agencies to maintain the momentum of the 2025 crime reduction and explore additional strategies to further improve public safety in the region.

The takeaway

The collaborative approach between the Atlantic County Sheriff's Department, local police departments, and the Prosecutor's Office has proven effective in significantly reducing violent crime in the region. This model of inter-agency cooperation and a focus on detaining the most dangerous offenders could serve as a blueprint for other communities seeking to address public safety challenges.