(Newser)
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Camden, New Jersey, is often cited as one of the most dangerous cities in America—so of course, it's getting rid of its police department. In a bid to rein in its budget, the city will lay off all 460 of its police officers by the end of the month, Fox News reports. They'll be replaced by a new, non-union "Metro Division" of the county police. "This is definitely a form of union-busting," a union president said.
Only half the current officers will be re-hired for the Metro Division. Nearby towns aren't pleased, fearing that county police resources will all wind up in Camden. "It's a disaster waiting to happen," says one police chief. The city council yesterday hired former state police major Lanuel Ferguson to consult on the new division, on a no-bid $100,000 contract, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Ferguson was almost appointed acting police director last year, but that time the council said his $100,000 asking price was too high.
