For the first time, the statistics back that claim up: A Kansas-based research firm announced Monday in its 12th annual compilation of the safest cities and metropolitan areas in the country that the Logan Metropolitan Statistical Area is the safest community in the United States.

The rankings, based on 2004 crime numbers that law enforcement agencies are required to report to the FBI, show that Cache County and Franklin County had the lowest rate of murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft and vehicle theft in the country.

“It’s why all of us stay here,” Logan Police Chief Richard Hendricks said of the recognition. “It is a wonderful place to raise a family and to do business.”

Cache County Sheriff Lynn Nelson agreed that the recognition was an honor.

“I think it goes to say a lot for the community,” Nelson said. “I’m glad to see that we’re having success.”

Both Hendricks and Nelson said that the low crime rate in Cache Valley can be attributed in large part to the amount of community policing that goes on here. Law enforcement officers have a presence in nearly every Cache Valley school, educating children about the consequences of crimes and drugs.

Morgan Quitno Press released its results Monday, marking the first time the Logan M.S.A. has been recognized. In years past, Cache Valley wasn’t large enough to be included in surveys like Morgan Quitno’s, but when the area’s population grew over 100,000 in 2003, the area was designated as an official metropolitan area by the government and became eligible for most national surveys.

In 2004, Cache Valley reported an average of 64 violent crimes per 100,000 people and 1791.4 property crimes per 100,000. Both numbers ranked among the lowest in the nation, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Index.

With the honor, however, comes the reminder that the community needs to “keep up the good work.”

“We can’t rest on our laurels,” Hendricks said. “We have to constantly be aware of the fact that there’s only one place to go from No. 1. You have to constantly stay in the top five or the top 10.”

Hendricks said local law enforcement agencies could become lax and accept coming in at No. 44, like Ogden-Clearfield, or No. 33 like Provo-Orem, but he’d rather strive to stay as one of the country’s safest areas.

Nelson agreed, saying that Cache residents could help eliminate a lot of property crime by watching out for their property and being responsible.

“If we can get people to lock their houses and lock their cars, then that’s the biggest part of our part one crimes,” Nelson said. “No city could ever afford to put enough manpower on the street to stop everything.”

Hendricks added that about 10 years ago Logan police adopted a mindset that there were just some things they wouldn’t tolerate in the community, such as underage drinking, drug possession and crimes at schools. He credited the no-tolerance policy as part of the reason that crime has remained low in the community.

“There’s just some things we won’t give warnings for and there’s just some things we don’t want in our town,” Hendricks said. “I think this is a nice way to see that we’re on the right track.”

triggs@hjnews.com



		22 November 2005 Logan community safest in U.S. By Tyler Riggs, The Herald Journal Cache Valley residents have long claimed that one of the reasons the area is such a great place to live is because it’s safe. For the first time, the statistics back that claim up: A Kansas-based research firm announced Monday in its 12th annual compilation of the safest cities and metropolitan areas in the country that the Logan Metropolitan Statistical Area is the safest community in the United States. The rankings, based on 2004 crime numbers that law enforcement agencies are required to report to the FBI, show that Cache County and Franklin County had the lowest rate of murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft and vehicle theft in the country. “It’s why all of us stay here,” Logan Police Chief Richard Hendricks said of the recognition. “It is a wonderful place to raise a family and to do business.” Cache County Sheriff Lynn Nelson agreed that the recognition was an honor. “I think it goes to say a lot for the community,” Nelson said. “I’m glad to see that we’re having success.” Both Hendricks and Nelson said that the low crime rate in Cache Valley can be attributed in large part to the amount of community policing that goes on here. Law enforcement officers have a presence in nearly every Cache Valley school, educating children about the consequences of crimes and drugs. Morgan Quitno Press released its results Monday, marking the first time the Logan M.S.A. has been recognized. In years past, Cache Valley wasn’t large enough to be included in surveys like Morgan Quitno’s, but when the area’s population grew over 100,000 in 2003, the area was designated as an official metropolitan area by the government and became eligible for most national surveys. In 2004, Cache Valley reported an average of 64 violent crimes per 100,000 people and 1791.4 property crimes per 100,000. Both numbers ranked among the lowest in the nation, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Index. With the honor, however, comes the reminder that the community needs to “keep up the good work.” “We can’t rest on our laurels,” Hendricks said. “We have to constantly be aware of the fact that there’s only one place to go from No. 1. You have to constantly stay in the top five or the top 10.” Hendricks said local law enforcement agencies could become lax and accept coming in at No. 44, like Ogden-Clearfield, or No. 33 like Provo-Orem, but he’d rather strive to stay as one of the country’s safest areas. Nelson agreed, saying that Cache residents could help eliminate a lot of property crime by watching out for their property and being responsible. “If we can get people to lock their houses and lock their cars, then that’s the biggest part of our part one crimes,” Nelson said. “No city could ever afford to put enough manpower on the street to stop everything.” Hendricks added that about 10 years ago Logan police adopted a mindset that there were just some things they wouldn’t tolerate in the community, such as underage drinking, drug possession and crimes at schools. He credited the no-tolerance policy as part of the reason that crime has remained low in the community. “There’s just some things we won’t give warnings for and there’s just some things we don’t want in our town,” Hendricks said. “I think this is a nice way to see that we’re on the right track.” triggs@hjnews.com Copyright © 2005 The Herald Journal. Logan, Utah

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