Atlantic City Crime Rates Drop to Record Lows

Mayor Marty Small Sr. attributes the safety improvements to new surveillance technology and public initiatives.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Violence

Atlantic City Crime Rates Drop to Record Lows

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Atlantic City has seen a significant downturn in violent crime, with Mayor Marty Small Sr. announcing that the city has recorded only one homicide so far this year. Officials also report that local shootings have decreased by nearly 80% due to recent public safety investments.

Why it matters

The dramatic reduction in crime follows a concerted push by the city to modernize its security infrastructure. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to revitalize the city and improve safety for residents and visitors alike.

The city has recorded only 1 homicide this year while shootings have decreased by nearly 80%. Officials also recently secured a $9 million contract with Axon to implement the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system.

The players

Marty Small Sr.

He is the mayor of Atlantic City and has been in office since October 2019.

Axon

This company provides public safety technology, including the gunshot detection system used by the city.

The details

The city has aggressively upgraded its security posture by deploying drones that provide live video feeds from shooting scenes. This high-tech approach is supplemented by a network of license plate readers and comprehensive surveillance systems across the city.

October 2019: Marty Small Sr. began his term as mayor.
October 19, 2026: Mayor Small discussed the city's safety improvements on The Breakfast Club.

Legal Context

The implementation of advanced surveillance systems marks a significant shift in how the city manages public safety following the physical removal of legacy structures like the Trump Plaza under the 2021 demolition agreement. This technological approach moves away from traditional policing methods toward a model reliant on integrated data and real-time video monitoring.

Residents may see an increase in surveillance presence and the deployment of drones in public spaces. These measures are intended to shorten police response times and improve overall safety in local neighborhoods.

The takeaway

The sharp decline in violent crime underscores the city's reliance on integrated technological solutions like ShotSpotter and drone monitoring. Residents should expect these surveillance tools to remain a permanent fixture of the local security apparatus.