Democrats, Republicans and Independents have continually referred to Atlantic County as the finest run county in the state, and now the county is being recognized as the toughest on crime with a 48.9 percent detention rate, more than twice the 18.1 percent statewide average.
County Executive Dennis Levinson credits the extraordinary work of Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds and his team who have made it a priority to get criminals off the streets and behind bars.
“Finally, we have a prosecutor who gets it,” Levinson said in a county news release. “For years, I have asked for stricter enforcement of our laws. Prosecutor Reynolds is doing just that and realizing significant results with the highest detention rate in the state. He understands that without enforcement, our laws are ineffective.”
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, nearly 500 defendants are currently detained pending trial, with the county justice facility nearly filled to capacity.
“I am pleased to see that protecting the safety of our residents and the communities in which they live, work and recreate is a top priority of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office,” Levinson said. “I applaud their commitment and ongoing efforts.”
