Crime-Ridden NJ City Axes Police Department

Camden, New Jersey, is often cited as one of the most dangerous cities in America—so of course, it's getting rid of its police department. In a bid to rein in its budget, the city will lay off all 460 of its police officers by the end of the month, Fox News reports. They'll be replaced by a new, non-union "Metro Division" of the county police. "This is definitely a form of union-busting," a union president said.

Only half the current officers will be re-hired for the Metro Division. Nearby towns aren't pleased, fearing that county police resources will all wind up in Camden. "It's a disaster waiting to happen," says one police chief. The city council yesterday hired former state police major Lanuel Ferguson to consult on the new division, on a no-bid $100,000 contract, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Ferguson was almost appointed acting police director last year, but that time the council said his $100,000 asking price was too high. (More Camden, NJ stories.)