N.J. approves Camden plan to lay off 180 cops

Camden will lay off nearly half of its police officers and a third of its firefighters while eliminating positions in every city office, according to a layoff plan approved Tuesday by the state.

The 383 total layoffs represent about a quarter of the city's work force, and touch all corners of city government, from 15 positions in the municipal court to 20 police dispatchers.

The City Council will meet to consider the plan on Thursday, and those affected will be notified by Friday. The layoffs, including 180 police officers, would take effect Jan. 18.

Camden's long economic meltdown began with the loss of its industrial base more than a half-century ago. The city is so lacking in taxable property that its revenue only covers about a quarter of the city budget. Cuts in state aid this year compounded the problem.

Last week, Camden was named the second most dangerous city in the country by a national survey.

The number of layoffs could be softened by retirements, or, less likely, concessions from the unions, all of which are in the midst of contract negotiations.

Al Ashley, the president of the union representing officers in the fire department, said the union was not given any guarantee that concessions would reduce the number of layoffs.

Ashley said because Camden does not have the tax base to sustain itself, the situation will only continue to get worse.

"Unless they're going to throw up casinos starting tomorrow and they're finished in six months, we're not going to have any more revenue [in fiscal year 2012] than we did this year," he said. "Where does it end? It breaks my heart."

Contact staff writer Matt Katz at 856-779-3919 or mkatz@phillynews.com.