How Does Irvine Stay So Safe?

They've done it before, and they've done it again this year. Irvine is the safest large city in California. Check out the write-up in today's OC Register:

Violent crime in Irvine dropped more than 16 percent and overall crime in the city fell 6 percent last year, making Irvine the safest large city in California, according to preliminary statistics released Monday by the state attorney general's office. It's the third year in a row Irvine has topped the list.

From January through December 2006, Irvine's number of reported violent crimes – which includes homicide, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault – dropped from 151 to 126 – at the same time the state saw a 1. 4 percent jump in violent crime. Irvine recorded drops in property and theft, but the number of homicides in the city doubled from two to four in 2006.

Following Irvine on the list of the state's safest cities are Sunnyvale, Thousand Oaks, Santa Clara and Simi Valley.

Wow, now that's safe! So how does Irvine do it? How can they stay so safe? Follow me after the flip as I look for answers...

So what's the secret to Irvine's success. Well, let's start with their youth action team. Irvine is actually getting high schoolers involved in not only being productive in the community, but in also planning how they will be getting involved. And these kids really get active. Between concerts, graffiti removal days, and college workshops, these kids just don't have the time to waste on crime.

Oh but wait, the fun doesn't stop there! These kids (and adults) also play sports. They have tennis, basketball, soccer, softball, and much more. Again, these kids are too busy working out and learning teamwork to be caught up in any stupid illegal stuff.

And my goodness, look at all those lovely parks in town! Irvine has many safe places for kids to go to play and have fun. No matter where a family may live in Irvine, they know that there's somewhere in the neighborhood where they can take the kids to play games and perhaps meet new friends in the neighborhood. And as these kids grow up being able to just play, they don't get stuck in the streets.

OK, so what's the point I'm trying to make? Well, here it is. Irvine's smart planning has resulted in less crime and safer neighborhoods. By creating great parks in all the neighborhoods and giving kids great activities to do, Irvine has taken away whatever appeal criminal gangs might have had. And all these kids engaged in the community means kids who don't feel that they don't belong, and ultimately kids who don't fall into gangs as they search for meaning in their lives.

So perhaps more cities should follow Irvine's lead in reducing crime, and ultimately preventing any future crime. Clean up the neighborhoods, open some parks, and give kids something fun to do. This might actually help keep up the neighborhood. : )