For Immediate Release:  November 17, 2022

The Atlantic City Police Department announces the promotion of James A. Sarkos to the rank of Chief of Police.  Chief Sarkos was publicly sworn in at a ceremony today that took place at the Adrian Phillips Ballroom inside Boardwalk Hall.  United States Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito administered the oath of office.     

Chief Sarkos has led the ACPD since October 1, 2020 following the retirement of Chief Henry White.  Chief Sarkos started his law enforcement career in 1995 as a Special Law Enforcement Officer, Class I for the Ventnor Police Department.  He worked as a Special Law Enforcement Officer, Class II for the Wildwood Police Department during the summers of 1996 to 1999.  He was hired as a full-time police officer for the Linwood Police Department in October 1999.  In October 2000, he started his career with the Atlantic City Police Department.  Chief Sarkos was promoted to sergeant in 2006, lieutenant in 2011, captain in 2016 and deputy chief in 2018.

An innovative leader who believes data and technology can positively impact policing, Chief Sarkos was the project manager for several ACPD initiatives including the Boardwalk camera project, the ACPD Surveillance Center/Emergency Operations Center also known as “A.C.H.I.L.E.S.” (Atlantic City Headquarters for Intelligence Logistics and Electronic Surveillance), Project P.A.C.T. (Protecting Atlantic City Together) camera sharing initiative, R.T.M. (Risk Terrain Modeling), Project Medicine Drop and RAPID electronic pawn system.  

Chief Sarkos holds an A.S. in Criminal Justice from Atlantic Cape Community College, a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Stockton University, and a Masters degree from Seton Hall University Police Graduates Studies Program in Human Resources Training and Development.  He is also a graduate of the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police West Point Command and Leadership Program and the Rutgers University/NJ Civil Service Commission Certified Public Manager Program.

Chief Sarkos is a founding member of the Atlantic City Police Foundation and currently serves as Vice Chair.  He is a member of the Atlantic City Planning Board, the Board of Trustees of the Coalition for a Safe Community, and on the Advisory Boards of Jewish Family Services, Stockton University Masters in Criminal Justice program and Atlantic Cape Community College Criminal Justice program.

Chief Sarkos has lectured on a number of policing topics and is the recipient of a number of awards relating to his profession.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished at the Atlantic City Police Department in the two years that I have served as Interim Officer in Charge and Acting Chief,” said Chief Sarkos.  “I am particularly proud of serving the community in various ways over and beyond traditional policing activities.  I look forward to continuing to serve the residents and visitors of this great City.  It remains my honor to lead the dedicated and courageous Officers of the Atlantic City Police Department."  

"The administration is fully behind Chief Sarkos. The work that he has shown over the years proves that he is the right person for the job. We believe in him, we support him, and we will continue to assist and provide him with the tools needed to succeed," said City of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr.

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Alert sent on 11/17/2022 at 1:07PM EST

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