By Michelle Moskowitz
Sentinel Correspondent
According to the most recent report by Safewise.com, a home security system-ranking website, Greenwich ranks third as the safest place to raise a child in America.
Carmel, Ind., ranked first and Fishers, Ind., ranked second, positioning Greenwich as the safest city in Connecticut to raise children.
Key factors contributing to Greenwich’s high ranking include its low crime rate (provided by the FBI Crime Report), limited population of sex offenders, and its reputable school rankings, enrichment programs for kids in grades K-12, and state graduation rates.
First Selectman Peter Tesei credits Greenwich’s large and well-trained police force for keeping the community safe.
“Our town has historically placed a priority on public safety, and this has been a hallmark of my tenure. Safety is the most critical service municipal government can provide,” said Tesei.
The Greenwich police department is comprised of 155 sworn officers, with a total staff of 187 members. Departments include the special victim units, traffic and patrol, detective unit and a SWAT team.
Tesei also credits the important role of local community centers and agencies, which provide key resources for residents in a multitude of ways.
“Our officers have a very strong engagement with the community and they partner with our local, non-profit agencies to provide services for those in need, such as the YWCA for domestic abuse, Kids in Crisis and Liberation, to help those who have become afflicted by drug addiction,” said Tesei.
Other organizations servicing children and families, including the Boy Scouts, Arch Street Teen Center, Boys & Girls Club, Pathways, YMCA, Abilis, Family Centers, and many more, add to Greenwich’s community health and well being.
Greenwich also has developed a Juvenile Review Board, which offers restitution and redemption to youth in the most direct and meaningful manner through community service, and by correlating youth programs to impact positive change.