Chatham Township Named One Of NJ's Safest Towns For 2019

CHATHAM, NJ - Residents of Chatham Township can breathe easy knowing that they live in one of the safest cities in New Jersey, according to the National Council for Home Safety and Security.

Chatham Township makes number seven on the list.

Chatham Township cracked the top ten on the total number of crimes at just 39, and no violent crimes reported. The town logged no murders in 2018.

Chatham Township Mayor Tayfun Selen was not surprised that his community was ranked one of the safest Municipalities in the State of New Jersey.

"Kudos to Chatham Township Police Department, our volunteers, residents, all of the stakeholders that keep our Town safe and one of the most desirable communities to live," Selen told Patch.

The sentiment of shared credit was one echoed by Chatham Township Police Chief Thomas Miller.

"It is a credit not only to the entire Chatham Township Police Department but also the residents who have partnered with us to make Chatham Township one of the safest communities," Miller said.

Miller pointed to the symbiotic relationship formed between the police officers in his department the residents they serve.

"Several years ago, the police and residents of Chatham Township partnered in a unique community policing model as well as adopting several Neighborhood Watch areas around the Township," Miller said. "Both initiatives have allowed us to receive valuable information and additionally encourages residents to report any suspicious activity."

Miller also pointed out the continual efforts of the officers in Chatham to keep the community safe.

"Chatham Township Police work tirelessly around the clock to ensure that all of our residents and visitors remain safe and secure at all times," he said.

According to their website, the National Council for Home Safety and Security
we reviewed the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report statistics to come up with their ranking. A total of 7,639 cities were factored into this ranking with populations ranging from 7,639 to 4,007,147.

There are two broad classifications of crimes used in the report: violent crimes and non-violent crimes. According to the FBI, “Violent crime is composed of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Violent crimes are defined in the UCR Program as those offenses that involve force or threat of force.

Property crime includes the offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The object of the theft-type offenses is the taking of money or property, but there is no force or threat of force against the victims.”

(Photo courtesy of Tom Salvas)

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