In its recently released 2008 Annual Report (PDF file), the New Rochelle Police Department is reporting that according to U.S. Department of Justice crime data, the City of New Rochelle was one of the safest cities in the United States. For the first time in several years there were no murders in the Queen City.
NRPD cites the following highlights on the cover of their report:
- New Rochelle was the 4th safest city its size nationwide in 2007. Marks the eighth consecutive year as one of the five safest. (source-USDOJ “Crime in the United States”)
- Responded to almost 50,000 calls for service
- Reaccredited for the third time by the New York State Law Enforcement
- Accreditation Council. Marks fifteen years of continuous accreditation.
- Received Automobile Club of America Community Traffic Safety Award for 14th consecutive year
- Lowest crime rate among similar municipalities in Westchester County as well as similar municipalities throughout the state
- Completed transition to new police management software system
Auto Theft in 2008 was up 12% from 2007 (92 v. 76). Burglary in 2008 was down 22% from 2007 (235 v. 184). Larceny in 2008 was up 7% from 2007 (1291 v. 1142. Robbery in 2008 was down 1% from 2007 (118 v 119). There was 1 forcible rape (same as last year) and no murders in 2008 (down from 2 in 2007).
Stats can be made to say anything
Statistics can be made to say anything. Re-classify a few crimes under different categories and stats change. New Rochelle is a safe city thanks to the NRPD officers on the street. For me New Rochelle should not tout how safe it is until they open the front doors to city hall to the general public!