James Sarkos Atlantic City Police Chief

his Roots Run Deep in this Shore Town

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. – Helen Keller

by Larry Gallone

James A. Sarkos referenced that quote as important to his philosophy during his induction ceremony as Atlantic City’s Chief of Police in November 2022.

After serving as Interim Officer in Charge since October 2020, Sarkos was sworn in (via Zoom) as permanent Chief by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in a ceremony attended by family, friends, colleagues, and local and state officials. Having that level of person induct you “shows how important it is to faithfully, impartially and justly guide every action you take,” Sarkos noted.

Chief Sarkos also draws inspiration from something much closer to his heart -- his family and his love and passion for Atlantic City, a place where his roots are deep, and his commitment has been lifelong. Together with his wife Michele and their son Michael, they continue the tradition of family life in the Atlantic City region. During his induction speech, Sarkos thanked his family, noting the many sacrifices a police officer’s family makes. “The sacrifices our families make are in a lot of ways greater than our own,” he said to a large roomful in attendance at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Salute To Service

Sarkos can attest to those family sacrifices firsthand while growing up close to this shore town. His paternal grandparents came from Greece to Atlantic City in the 1920s where his grandfather worked in a carpentry shop in Ducktown. His father and uncles grew up in Atlantic City. His uncles were teachers at Atlantic City High School and members of the beach patrol for more than 50 years.

On his mother’s side, his grandparents operated a business in Atlantic City called Keystone Auto Glass.

In his speech, Chief Sarkos remembered their service to this town. “I can’t help but think of my grandparents and the wonderful memories of visiting them at their shop when I pass by. They were proud of their business. And my grandfather would love to park his 1932 Ford in front of this shop for all to see and inquire about.” He also recalled visiting his maternal great grandfather who lived at 10th and Federal Streets in South Philadelphia.

Sarkos says his brother joined the Linwood EMT Rescue squad as a volunteer when they were younger and he followed him, jumpstarting his career in public service.

“It was this experience that exposed me to my passion for Law Enforcement and the feeling of self-worth and satisfaction I received from helping those in need.” Additionally, Jim’s sister is a teacher, and his mother was an ER nurse.

Chief Sarkos received an Associates of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Atlantic Cape Community College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Stockton University, and a Master of Arts degree from Seton Hall University.

As his career progressed, he served in law enforcement in Ventnor, Wildwood and Linwood before joining the Atlantic City Police Department.

As a member of the ACPD, his knowledge and passion for serving the community – coupled with his teamwork philosophy – drove him to champion several significant safety efforts. Among them include the Boardwalk Camera Project, the ACPD Surveillance Center/Emergency Operations Center, and Project P.A.C.T. (Protecting Atlantic City Together) camera sharing initiative.

“Public safety is not just police responsibility – it’s a partnership with everyone,” he stresses.

The PACT program, for instance, entails the public and private businesses working together to benefit the community. Businesses participating in PACT display signs at their workplaces informing the public that they will share their videos with the police department when necessary.

“The goal is to prevent crime,” Sarkos says.

Another priority on the ACPD’s list is to reduce the number of times officers use force, Sarkos explained. Through a combination of specialized techniques and training, Atlantic City was able to achieve outstanding results. In 2021, only one excessive force complaint was registered. It dropped to zero complaints in 2022. Quite an accomplishment considering the number of fulltime residents and millions of visitors to Atlantic City on an annual basis.

Chief Sarkos is a founding member of the Atlantic City Police Foundation and currently serves as Vice Chair. “Our goal is to pay for additional items for both the police department and community.”

The non-profit raises money for community outreach, as well as for equipment, training, and overall morale-boosting efforts not covered by the police department budget. The Foundation also provides funds for youngsters in PAL to go on trips for STEM program projects, which teaches science, technology, engineering, and math skills to interested kids.

Chief Sarkos has received numerous commendations and recognitions throughout his career including ones from the American Legion, State of N.J. General Assembly, Bangladeshi Association of Atlantic County, Stockton University, and the United States Secret Service. He also was the recipient of the Atlantic Cape Community College President’s Distinguished Alumni Award. PRH