Atlantic County's safest year on record is looking like a positive trend that could continue, according to early numbers Prosecutor William Reynolds said Monday.
The first two months of the year show a continued downward trend in homicides, drug deaths and overall shootings, Reynolds said.
There has been just one shooting this year, with no homicides, records show. That would put the county on pace for six shootings this year.
Last year saw 14 nonfatal shootings, which was half of the previous year. There were eight homicides, also halved from 2024.
The news comes just a month after the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office announced 2025 marked the county's safest year on record.
“The data confirms what we know to be true: when the law is enforced consistently and people are held accountable for their actions, crime is reduced," Reynolds said Monday. "Our office remains committed to protecting the public through strong, fair prosecution and by standing firmly on behalf of victims and the rule of law.”
The one low point appears to be fatal collisions.
There have been eight fatal crashes in the first two months of 2026, following 29 total in 2025. This would put the county on pace to have 48 fatal crashes this year.
Last year had seen a significant reduction in death on area roads, with 29 down from 54 in 2024,
"The Prosecutor’s Office will continue to advocate for safer driving free of intoxication and device distraction through checkpoints, schools presentations, additional public awareness campaigns, and aggressive prosecution of reckless and unlicensed driving when it leads to death or bodily injury," the office promised in a news release.
Reynolds previously said his office has used bail reform as a public safety tool.
Last year, the office successfully detained the most violent offenders at a rate of 47 percent, compared to the state average of 18 percent.
The numbers for the past two months were not provided.
But the prosecutor said that "the hard work and informed decision-making of (the office's) attorneys, detectives and law enforcement countywide, continue to have an overall positive impact on public safety."
“This progress is the result of true partnership," Reynolds said. "I want to thank the dedicated men and women of our local police departments and the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office for their professionalism, commitment and teamwork. Their daily efforts, working together with our prosecutors and detectives, have helped make Atlantic County the safest it has ever been.”
Residents are "a vital part of keeping our community safe, he said: "Even the smallest observation can provide the missing piece needed to prevent a crime,"
Anyone who has information about a crime or is concerned for safety, can call the Prosecutor's Office at 609-909-7800. Tips may be submitted online.
Crime Stoppers also offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County. They can be reached at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS), or by visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
