NYC Councilman Points to Atlantic City as Example of Strong Police Support

As Atlantic City continues to welcome visitors during the busy summer tourism season, support for local law enforcement remains critical to maintaining public safety, according to comments made during a recent interview on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.

Appearing on The AC Mike Lopez Show, New York City Councilman Frank Morano and host AC Mike Lopez discussed the unique challenges cities face when preparing for large crowds and major events, with the conversation turning to Atlantic City's police officers and first responders.

Lopez noted that while Atlantic City has a year-round population of roughly 38,000 residents, that number can swell dramatically during the summer as visitors arrive for beaches, casinos, concerts and special events.

"Any given day, we've got about 175,000 people here besides our 38,000," Lopez said, adding that successful public safety operations require months of planning and coordination among police, fire and emergency personnel.

Morano, who represents New York City's 51st Council District on Staten Island and is a frequent visitor to Atlantic City, said communities must continue supporting law enforcement if they hope to retain experienced officers.

"I can't say enough good things about cops," Morano said, noting he recently sponsored legislation in New York City raising the maximum age for certain civil service exams, including police officers, to help expand the pool of qualified applicants.

Morano said he regularly hears from officers who retire as soon as they become eligible and relocate to states such as Florida, North Carolina, Arizona and Tennessee.

"Until we do something where the men and women of the law enforcement community feel supported by both the public, by the media, by the politicians, I think we're going to keep seeing this drain of very talented and experienced officers leaving as soon as they're able to," Morano said.

Lopez, a former law enforcement officer, agreed that policing has become a more difficult profession despite its importance to public safety.

He pointed to Atlantic County as an example of a community where elected officials consistently back law enforcement, saying County Executive Dennis Levinson, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, the Sheriff's Office and police chiefs throughout the county have demonstrated strong support for officers.

"I hope that's what you have there in Staten Island, but as a whole in New York City," Lopez told Morano.

Morano responded that while New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has earned respect from many officers, more work is needed to improve morale throughout the profession.

"I think there's a lot that needs to be done to improve the way that police officers are treated," Morano said.

The discussion came as Atlantic City enters one of its busiest stretches of the year, with casinos, beaches, entertainment venues and special events drawing large crowds that require extensive coordination among local public safety agencies.