As part of Governor Chris Christie's "Clean and Safe" initiative in Atlantic City, 20 new special police officers have been deployed to the Tourism District.  Attorney General Jeff Chiesa and Atlantic City Public Safety Director Will Glass made the announcement today.

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The officers graduated last week from the police academy as special law enforcement officers who have full police powers, but are paid by the hour and are subject to certain restrictions.

"These 20 new special law enforcement officers will mean optimal police presence in the Tourism District," said Chiesa.

"Before the Clean and Safe initiative began, visitors said they wanted to see a stronger police presence in Atlantic City.  Today, we answer that call.  Wherever people go around the Boardwalk and casinos, day or night, they will find their path well-lighted and shared by officers and ambassadors who are there to guide them and ensure their safety."

"The additional officers we are hiring and the productive partnerships we have established with state, county and federal law enforcement agencies are increasing our capacity to combat crime and address quality of life issues with greater flexibility and effectiveness throughout Atlantic City," said Director Glass.  "These efforts represent a win-win for residents and visitors to the city."

Six to eight of the officers will be deployed to the Tourism District per shift.  The area already is patrolled by more than 50 regular officers from the Atlantic City Police Department who are trained for bike or ATV duty.  The department also has a 10-member "Tac Team" tactical unit that conducts enforcement patrols in and around the Tourism District and casinos have about 34 security personnel who conduct safety patrols around the casinos, which include bike patrols.

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