Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Newark Misses Being Dangerous City, Lays Off 167 Cops
By
Ben Yakas
Published Dec 1, 2010
Modified Dec 1, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Dec 1, 2010
Modified Dec 1, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The city of Newark was recently ranked as the twenty-ninth most dangerous city in America based on crime statistics. But now, thanks to a multi-million dollar budget gap and a bitter dispute between the city and the police union,167 police officers—or 13% of the force— were laid off yesterday, making it Newark's largest force reduction in 32 years. "We were doing everything possible to avoid this from ever happening. In fact, we starved other city departments to push more resources into the police department to actually start hiring more police officers. And to have this day come -- it is very sobering and disappointing," Mayor Cory Booker told WNYC.
Newark was ranked the most dangerous city in American in 1996 by Time Magazine, but has lowered its murder rate drastically since then (still, this year murders, rapes and robberies are up 11% over last year). Booker was furious with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) union for their unwillingness to make any concessions during the negotiations. While the two sides try to reach a settlement, Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa said that his anti-crime group would send members from NYC to patrol parts of Newark: "Newark's done a great job driving down the crime rate, and they don't deserve this."
According to the Post, FOP President Derrick Hatcher was a little defensive about accepting help from outsiders: "We can do our policing ourselves. It's going to create more of a nuisance than a benefit for the city." But he softened his tone with WNYC, saying: "I know Curtis. You know, if it helps then I'll do it. I'll try anything. I'll tell him where to go. Let's put it that way. And you know his methods are his methods and hopefully they help."
Tagged
curtis silwa
guardian angels
lay off
new jersey
newark
police
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Ex-NYPD officer again faces murder charge in George Washington Bridge shooting
The charge against him was upgraded following an “extensive investigation,” the DA’s office said.
By
Samantha Max
Published Oct 27, 2026 at 4:35 p.m. ET
Modified Oct 27, 2026 at 6:17 p.m. ET
Former NYC buildings boss helped reopen mayor's favored restaurant despite health violations
Phone calls played at during the trial of Eric Adams’ former buildings commissioner show he worried about losing his job for helping business owners fast track inspections.
By
David Brand
News
Former NYC buildings boss helped reopen mayor's favored restaurant despite health violations
Phone calls played at during the trial of Eric Adams’ former buildings commissioner show he worried about losing his job for helping business owners fast track inspections.
By
David Brand
1 killed, 4 others injured at Elizabeth, NJ vigil shooting
By
Catalina Gonella
Police arrest man in Queens stabbings that ended with officer shooting woman
By
Ryan Kost
Early Addition: It's been a while since it rained
By
James Ramsay
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .