William Reynolds
Atlantic County Prosecutor
In light of the recent tragic news of the Newark Police Officer being murdered by a 14-year-old shooter, the time is now to address the uptick of serious juvenile crime.
Reducing crime and building safe, thriving communities starts with investing in our young people.
As a father of twin teenagers, a lifelong youth sports coach and a municipal prosecutor for 10 years prior to becoming the Atlantic County prosecutor, I have seen firsthand how opportunity and support can change the trajectory of a young person’s life — steering them away from destructive choices and toward a fulfilling, productive future.
Right now, Atlantic County is facing a crisis.
Juvenile crime has spiked, with petitions for juvenile delinquency nearly tripling over the past two years. If
we do not act swiftly and decisively, we risk losing more of our young people to violence, incarceration or worse.
One of the most effective ways to combat this trend is through summer youth employment programs.
The evidence is clear: giving at-risk youth job opportunities significantly reduces violent crime, arrests and deaths from gun violence.
We have already seen this approach work in cities like Boston, which recently reported a sharp decline in homicides and a record-low number of shooting deaths — attributing part of this success to a city program that provides 10,000 summer jobs to young people.
Here in Atlantic County, we have an opportunity to replicate and expand these successes. The “Jobs Program” in adult State Superior Court has already demonstrated that employment can be a powerful tool for reducing recidivism among adults in the criminal justice system. Now, we need to extend the same approach to our at-risk youth.
A strong model for this already exists.
The Hard Rock Atlantic City Summer Jobs Program has provided hundreds of young people with employment opportunities — keeping them engaged, teaching them valuable skills and surrounding them with positive role models.
Programs like this not only keep young people off the streets during the summer but also expose them to careers and opportunities they might never have considered. Many participants go on to secure long-term employment, pursue higher education, or enter vocational training — ultimately reducing their involvement in crime.
The benefits of summer youth employment programs go beyond just keeping young people busy. It teaches basic life skills like setting an alarm, getting up, taking a shower and getting dressed for work. They foster mentorship, provide a sense of purpose, and show young people that a brighter future is within reach.
The long-term impact is clear: When young people see a viable path toward success, they are far less likely to turn to crime.
Yes, these programs require funding, but the cost is minimal compared to the economic and social toll of unchecked crime. When implemented successfully, these programs also reduce burdens on the justice system, leading to fewer arrests, court cases and incarcerations — all of which ultimately save taxpayers money.
To maximize their effectiveness, these programs must be designed to match young people with the right job opportunities. This benefits both the employees and their employers. Utilizing technology to improve program
management, strengthening communication among partners, and providing training for both participants and employers can make these initiatives even more impactful.
Atlantic County is at a turning point.
We can either allow Juvenile crime to continue rising, or we can invest in proven solutions that steer our youth toward success. Expanding summer youth employment programs is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce crime, increase public safety, and create a brighter future for our community.
The time to act is now
.
