🚔 ATLANTIC COUNTY SHERIFF SAYS BUSINESS EXPERIENCE IS KEY TO EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SAFETY
Atlantic County Sheriff Joseph O’Donoghue says using business principles and private donations has improved public safety while saving taxpayers over $1 million. By cutting waste and managing budgets like a company, the office has added new motorcycle units and court security.
📍 ATLANTIC COUNTY, NJ — August 31, 2026
Atlantic County Sheriff Joseph “Tokyo” O’Donoghue is highlighting what he says is a key factor behind the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office’s effectiveness: combining law enforcement experience with business and financial management experience.
In a recent statement, O’Donoghue said his administration has focused on protecting residents while maintaining accountability for taxpayer dollars.
💰 “RESULTS MATTER”
The Sheriff said effective government leadership requires understanding that every dollar in a taxpayer-funded budget comes from people who work, earn money and pay taxes.
According to O’Donoghue, his administration has applied business principles including strict budgeting, reducing waste, finding efficiencies and accomplishing more without automatically seeking additional taxpayer funding.
🏛️ TAXPAYER SAVINGS
One example highlighted by the Sheriff is the decision to take back overall security responsibilities for the Central Municipal Court.
O’Donoghue said the move has resulted in more than $1 million in taxpayer savings — and counting.
The Sheriff also pointed to expanded operations and new public safety capabilities supported through relationships with members of the business and community sectors.
🏍️ PRIVATE SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY
According to the statement, private donations have helped make initiatives such as a Search and Rescue Motorcycle and a Street Patrol Motorcycle Unit possible.
O’Donoghue said strong relationships with local business owners and community leaders can provide additional resources for public safety without placing the entire financial burden on taxpayers.
📊 A BUSINESS-MINDED APPROACH
The Sheriff said the philosophy is not about spending more, but about getting more public safety for every taxpayer dollar.
That includes distinguishing between needs and wants, controlling costs, maintaining responsible budgets and finding efficiencies throughout the organization.
“Experience in law enforcement matters. Experience in business matters,” O’Donoghue said, emphasizing that he believes combining both backgrounds can produce effective public safety, responsible government and measurable results.
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📸 Photo Credit: Atlantic County Sheriff's Office