SOUTH BRUNSWICK – South Brunswick has been identified as one of the safest communities in the United States to raise a family in 2016.
“Raising children is stressful enough without having to worry about their safety,” according to a statement prepared by the South Brunswick Township Police Department and Safewise, a security website. “Luckily, there are a number of cities across America that are ideal for raising kids.”
According to the report, the study looked at violent crime data from the most recent FBI Crime Report, state graduation rates and school rankings. In the first six months of 2016, crime is down in several categories, including a 40 percent drop in residential burglaries.
“It is a result of a lot of hard work and a strong partnership between the police, community groups, and the schools,” Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said in the statement. “Keeping crime low starts with partnerships at all levels – youth, schools, community groups and the business community. This designation only makes us more determined to build on our success.”
Safewise also looked for unique programs that were children-friendly such as the township’s public library where children with special needs can practice reading to therapy dogs. Not only does this advance their reading skills, but helps with socialization too, the statement said.
According to Hayducka, 400 kids have completed the township police department’s Summer Youth Police Academy and more than 3,500 kids have completed their S.A.F.E education programs in the past five years.
“We take pride in our community outreach programs, our partnership with the South Brunswick School District, and our ongoing efforts to keep crime low,” Hayducka said in the statement. “These programs have formed long-standing relationships with our youth and police officers.”
For more information, contact the police department at 732-329-4646.
