Trenton mayor asks Christie for more police

Trenton’s mayor is asking Gov. Chris Christie for more police in the state’s capital.

Mayor Tony Mack sent a letter to Christie Thursday saying the city has seen a dramatic increase in crime since budget cuts forced a downsizing of the police department. Trenton recorded its 24th homicide Tuesday.

Mack is asking Christie for money to hire additional city patrolmen and to authorize a State Police trooper battalion to work with the Trenton Police Department for at least six months.

The governor’s spokesman did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Mack was arrested in September on corruption charges but remains in office. An indictment in the case was handed up the same day as his request to Christie. His attorney has said Mack is innocent.