By David Madden

CAMDEN, NJ (CBS) – Those opposed to seeing Camden’s police force taken over by Camden County are laying out a two-pronged attack to block the effort.

Petitions are hitting Camden streets aimed at putting a binding referendum on next spring’s ballot that could stop the initiative. City and county officials say they could have the new force up and running by April, two months before that possible vote. So opponents are also working on a lawsuit to be filed as things play out in 2012.

Former city councilman Ali Sloan-El believes the move to a countywide force isn’t meant to keep the people safe.

“That is union-busting, and that is taking our rights, and this is a takeover and we’re not going to allow it,” Sloan-El says.

Petitioners need 900 valid signatures, but they’re pushing for 5,000.