Atoka and Munford have again been ranked amongst the state’s 50 safest cities.
In a new study released by Security Baron Thursday, Atoka was ranked the 8th safest city and Munford 22nd.
The organization said it uses FBI crime statistics from 2016 and 2017 to determine trends in public safety and couples those with demographic information to complete its ranking.
“It takes a lot of hard work all the time,” said Atoka Mayor Darryl Walker. “You have to be consistent in making it happen.”
In Atoka, where the population was estimated at 9,197, the violent crime rate was 1.52 per 1,000 residents. Violent crime was trending down by .55 and property crimes were up by .3.
In May, Safewise named Atoka the 14th safest city in the state.
“I really want to thank Chief Jessie Poole for his leadership and guidance of the police department and the men and women in the department who serve our town.”
Munford Mayor Dwayne Cole is also thrilled to have Munford again be called one of the safest places in the state.
With a population of 6,079, Munford’s violent crime rate was 2.63 per 1,000. Violent crime was trending up by .02 and property crime was trending up by 2.13.
“We’re thankful to be recognized as a safe city,” Cole said. “We work really hard due to the importance of public safety.”
Covington was ranked 86th on the list. Its violent crime rank was 16.84 and its property crime rank at 54.55 per 1,000.
Neither Mason nor Brighton was listed in the results. Studies of this type are usually conducted on cities and towns with larger populations.
Other West Tennessee cities ranked amongst the safest in the state included Oakland (3rd), Germantown (9th), Collierville (21st), Bartlett (28th), Henderson (30th), Martin (32nd) and Bolivar (49th).
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
