The Atlantic City police union called for additional hires Monday, after the first week of the year was marked by four killings.
"This alarming trend serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for immediate action," PBA President Jules Schwenger wrote in a statement. "In light of these circumstances, I appeal for additional resources to bolster our law enforcement efforts."
Mayor Marty Small, who was not named in the statement, accused the move of being political when he addressed it Tuesday night during an impromptu Facebook Live.
"I expect that from political opportunists," he said. "I don't expect it from my own Police Department."
Schwenger took issue with the mayor's words.
"As the people who have to stare death and evil in the face when someone is killed, we aren't politicizing anything," she told BreakingAC after the mayor's talk. "It's disappointing that it has sunk to social media insults when we should be working together for the sake of everyone."
Four people have been killed since Jan. 1, including two shootings that also wounded others.
It's a stark contrast to last year, when there were a total of seven homicides. There were also seven killings in all of 2021.
Schwenger's letter called on the city to fill 10 open spots along with hiring another 30 that would be paid through a grant the city received. It did not mention the mayor.
"The city's residents deserve to feel secure in their homes and communities, and a well-equipped and adequately staffed police department is essential to achieving that goal," she wrote. "Everyone deserves a safe city to live, work and visit. We are committed to working with all the stakeholders to ensure this happens."
Small scheduled a press conference for 10 a.m. Wednesday to discuss public safety. It will include Police Chief James Sarkos, along with members of the city's anti-violence unit and re-entry program.
But it seems he could not wait until then to address the issue, instead going live on Facebook to discuss it.
"Now is not the time for finger-pointing," he said.
"Whenever there's a shooting or an unfortunate death, you hear things like, 'Where's the mayor?'" Small said. "I'm where I'm supposed to be."
He said his job is to give the Police Department the necessary tools to succeed and make sure there are programs for the youth.
"Under my watch, you will never be able to legitimately say, 'There's nothing for kids to do,'" he said.
Small said there has been talk about using some of the grant money meant for Police Department hires to put officers in the schools.
He then claimed calls were made to the Superintendent's Office alleging it was holding up the hiring of officers. Small's wife, Dr. La'Quetta Small, is the superintendent.
"Shame on you for playing games and politicizing murders," the mayor said.
"No one from the union contacted the Superintendent's Office," Schwenger told BreakingAC in response.
Small said he has never claimed his anti-violence unit or any other measures would stop every act of violence.
"I'm constantly talking, saying you can't let up because we could have a week like this week," he said. "We're going to let the people know that, yes, it's an issue, it's a big issue. It's our job to get us out of this. Stop pointing the finger.
"This isn't a negative live," he added. "It's a telling the truth live."
BreakingAC will be going live on its Facebook page from Wednesday's news conference.
