The Camden County Police Department welcomed 58 new officers on Thursday.
CAMDEN -- The Camden County Police Department (CCPD) welcomed 58 new police officers on Thursday morning, bringing the total number of sworn members up to 410 -- the highest number the department has seen since it formed in 2013.
According to county officials, the new officers were deployed directly into Camden neighborhoods following the swearing-in ceremony.
"Many of these officers will be deployed to the streets of Camden to become part of a nationally recognized model of policing that is increasing services and safety for the region while stabilizing the city," said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr., who swore in the officers.
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Resignations have forced the department to look outside Camden County and South Jersey for prospective police officers. As of Oct. 4, the department was staffed by 327 officers but was funded for 441. The city has about 77,000 residents.
There had been a total of 151 resignations from the department and 36 retirements as of late August, the same time as the state Civil Service Commission testing period for new police officers wrapped up.
"Our number one priority is to keep the residents of Camden County safe," Cappelli continued. "These new police officers will make a tremendous impact in our County Seat, and by doing so are making Camden County a safer place to live for all residents."
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook.