‘Ambassadors’ program to begin in Camden

CAMDEN – A $3 million program to put public safety “ambassadors” in Camden’s business districts will begin Friday, officials say.

The civilian workers, employed by the security firm of Allied Barton, will move through the downtown business district along Broadway and other commercial areas, including Haddon and Mount Ephraim avenues, River Road and Federal Street, officials said.

The ambassadors, although unarmed and unable to make arrests, are intended to assist the public and alert police to potential problems.

“They will provide a highly visible security presence,” Camden County Police Chief Scott Thomson said of the workers, who will wear fluorescent vests.

Mayor Dana Redd said the ambassadors will complement the Camden County Police Department, which has almost 400 officers in the city.

Camden County freeholders approved plans for the ambassadors in June 2103. The project was on hold, however, pending the availability of state funding.