Atlantic City is dealing with a wave of crime and tensions are rising over how to fix the problem. City residents say the area is becoming increasingly dangerous and merchants say they are concerned about its effects on business.

“Well listen, we’ve gone through a rough patch recently with violence in the community. We’re working on a solution. We’re gonna stick to our plan with out anti-violence program called One neighborhood Evolution, increase police patrols with our partners from the FBI, state police, Atlantic County prosecutor’s office, county sheriff’s office and our fine men and women of the Atlantic City Police Department. We’re gonna get to the bottom of it,” said Mayor Marty Small.

Councilwoman Latoya Dunston is one of several officials who say it’s time for the state, which has run the city for the past five years, to take over patrols in the casino district. “And that would allow our officers to go back into the neighborhood,” Dunston said.

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