IRVINE, Calif.—For the 15th year in a row, Irvine, California, had the lowest violent crime rate per capita in 2019 of any city in the United States with a population of 250,000 or more, according to information released by the FBI on Sept. 28.
A total of 87 violent crimes were reported last year: 31 robberies, 30 aggravated assaults, 26 rape cases, and zero murders. Los Angeles reported over 14,000 violent crimes last year—the most in the state.
Preliminary FBI data suggests Irvine is also on track to maintain that record in 2020.
“Once again, the men and women of the Irvine Police Department were successful in maintaining the safety of everyone in our wonderful community,” Irvine Mayor Christina Shea said in a statement. “The partnership of our police department, City Council, residents, and businesses continues to make Irvine the safest city to live, work, and play.”
Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel said the city’s track record for safety is the result of a positive relationship between local law enforcement, city leaders, and residents of the community.
“Maintaining public safety, while delivering profession and compassionate service to everyone is always our top priority,” Chief Hamel said in a statement.
In a message on the department’s website, Hamel said, “It doesn’t matter where you come from, your lifestyle, what language you speak or what religion you practice, we are your police department and we are here for you.”
The FBI’s Annual Crime Report measures what is known as Part I crime, which includes murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, auto theft and arson.
