Camden Gets Permission To Lay Off 383 City Workers

CAMDEN, NJ (CBS) -- A week after Camden was named the second most dangerous city in America in a national survey, city officials are poised to approve a plan that lays off nearly half the police department and almost a third of its firefighting force.

State officials put their seal of approval on the idea.

Given the state's reluctance to bail the city out, the 383 total planned layoffs across every city department represent an almost 25 percent cut in staff. 180 cops will go as will 67 firefighters.

But Camden City Attorney Marc Riondino says they'll still provide basic services.

"We will still be maintaining the same level of police patrols. As to the fire department, we have six firehouses, all six firehouses will remain open," Riondino said.

The city's four unions have been advised they'll need major wage concessions, and probably furlough days, to avoid the pink slips, which could go out by the end of the week.

The cuts would take effect in mid-January.

Reported By: David Madden, KYW Newsradio