Monroe ranked 29th safest town in U.S.

Christopher Lang, Correspondent, @topherlang2 | Apr 3, 2018 | MonroeNow

Following the release of a statewide ranking for safest municipalities, Monroe Township was named the 29th safest city in the United States, according to a report from the trade association, which created both studies.

The mid-March report from the National Council for Home Safety and Security listed eight New Jersey municipalities, with the best ranking going to River Vale, 9th, and the lowest was 94th-ranked Branchburg Township.

“While our department is incredibly proud of these rankings, we are constantly looking for ways in which we can improve through training, public engagement or preemptive planning,” Monroe Police Chief Michael Lloyd said in a statement released by the Township’s Public Information Office. “Our residents are also a part of this equation. As the eyes and ears of this community, they remain one of our most vital resources for preserving public safety.”

Related: Monroe Is Safest Town In Middlesex County, Eighth In State

Overall, New Jersey had 26 municipalities in the Top 100, accounting for more than 25 percent of the total 2018 report.

The title of safest city went to Lewisboro Town in New York. According to the report, Lewisboro, along with River Vale and Bernards, were part of the eight communities that did not report a single violent crime in the year used to compile the study.

The National Council for Home Safety and Security uses crime data collected by the FBI. The most recent data available is from 2016.

“If you’re wondering why Monroe continues to be singled out as a safe community, look no further than our outstanding police department,” Mayor Gerald Tamburro said in a statement released by the Township’s Public Information Office. “Between their community outreach and extensive crime prevention and detection programs, our hard-working men and women on the force deserve the credit …”

To qualify for the annual listing, municipalities’ population must exceed 10,000. Monroe’s approximately 44,000 total made it the most populated community to crack the Top 100, and it was the only one to have more than 40,000 residents.