There’s good reason why Irvine is synonymous with safety.
For the 13th straight year, FBI statistics rank Irvine as the safest city of its size in America. “I’m not surprised at all,” said Steven Gomez, CEO of security consultant company B2G Global Strategies and a former FBI special agent. “Drive through Irvine and you see a clean, well-maintained city. That deters crime.”
Security experts refer to this as the “broken windows theory.” It suggests that broken windows attract crime, whereas a well-maintained city fosters civic pride — and prevents crime.
“Irvine was designed to create a good living experience for residents,” Gomez said.
That includes nationally recognized parks to relax in, nationally recognized schools to educate children, and nationally recognized business centers to employ adults.
Irvine’s Master Plan filled the city with parks, trails and athletic fields so that children can engage in extracurricular activities. In addition to 63 regional, community and neighborhood parks, Irvine has more than 200 village parks.
“I feel very safe here,” Irvine resident Lesley Gill said. “That’s one of the reasons we came here.”
Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel credits a collaboration among residents, police and city leaders.
“Several things make Irvine a safe city,” he said. “Our officers have a true sense of service. Our city leaders and community support us, and our city is well planned.”
It all adds up to an engaged citizenry keeping the city safe.
