Madison’s inclusion in the “Safest Cities in Alabama” list by Safe Choice Security proves the professionalism of Madison Police Department, Chief Larry Muncey said. (RECORD PHOTO)

MADISON – Madison ranks as the safest, large city in Alabama and the 11th safest overall, according to Safe Choice Security’s comparison of crime statistics of more than 300 Alabama cities.

To view the complete list, visit safechoicesecurity.com/blog/safest-cities-in-alabama.

“I’m ecstatic with these recent findings, (which) unequivocally demonstrate the level of professionalism of the Madison team and ironclad partnership we have with our community,” Madison Police Chief Larry Muncey said. “Madison City is an awesome place to live, work and learn, but it would not be if our homes, parks and schools were not safe.”

Madison Police Department partners with residents “to work relentlessly ever moment of the day to ensure our community is safe,” Muncey said.

To ensure accuracy of the rankings, Safe Choice compared both property and violent crimes, Kim Andrews said. Andrews is community relations coordinator for Safe Choice.

“Our goal of creating a list of 20 safe Alabama cities falls a little short at only 15, but this is because Alabama’s crime rates are pretty high,” Andrews said.

Only two cities with populations more than 35,000, Madison and Hoover, received the award. Even with Birmingham’s crime rate, its suburbs of Helena, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills top the list. Hartselle and Boaz ranked 14th and 15th, respectively.

Like any organization, a police department is only as good as collective efforts of its personnel, Muncey said. “Madison Police Department only hires and retains the absolute best. We continually hold each other to the highest standards attainable.”

However, this goal becomes difficult with lack of adequate funding. “An organization must pay competitive wages. Our personnel haven’t had a step increase in four years, but their experience and knowledge have increased significantly,” Muncey said.

Muncey is concerned that Madison’s experienced officers may find higher-paying jobs.

In 2013, Madison’s crime index had two homicides, 17 forcible rapes, 27 robberies, 93 aggravated assaults, 217 burglaries, 950 thefts and 39 vehicle thefts (acjic.alabama.gov/page-cia).

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., Safe Choice Security sells home and industrial security systems, including video monitoring and home automation.