Leaders say Camden’s resurgence is real – and they have the numbers to back it up.

City and state officials celebrated big improvements in violent crime since dissolving Camden’s police department in 2013 and replacing it with a county force. Camden’s crime numbers have dropped across a variety of categories, they said, including a 75% reduction in homicide, a 61% drop in arson, and a 28% drop in rapes.

“It’s a template for how other urban areas can turn around in the state of New Jersey,” said state Asm. William Spearman (D-Camden).

Leaders gave several explanations for the drop in crime, including an increase in community investment from private companies, better intervention with students who drop out of school, and the reorganized police department.

“The city implemented community policing strategies and increased investment in training and resources to reduce crime,” said Angel Fuentes, Camden City Council President.

“Residents were scared to call the police department,” added Mayor Victor Carstarphen. “Residents didn’t want to pick up the phone and tell them that something was going on in their court. I lived that life.”

Despite the improved crime numbers, Camden’s poverty rate has remained high, however, especially compared to other cities in New Jersey. Louis Cappelli, the Camden County Commission Director, said the drop in crime will eventually lead to a drop in poverty.

“It’s going to take time,” he said. “The future development of these employers will reduce the crime rate and obviously reduce the poverty rate.”