The Camden City Police Department is no more. In its place is a special Metro Division of a new county-run force. The move is aimed at helping the city, which has struggled with high crime rates for years and budget problems that led to police layoffs.

Earlier this week, WHYY reporter Elizabeth Fiedler, got to walk along with the new metro cops, as they went door-to-door in pairs, introducing themselves to Camden residents.

She said reaction from the community has been very positive.

"One man called the police on his doorstep an answer to his prays," she recalled. "It was entirely positive from residents saying we have big problems and we love our city, we just need help keeping it a little safer."

Last year, Camden set a new record with 67 homicides.

Listen to Host Amy Eddings' full interview with WHYY reporter Elizabeth Fiedler above.