Neighborhood Scout, a real estate data website, boosted Temple City’s ranking from the 64th to the 40th safest city in the United States as of 2013. Temple City has a crime index of 76 out of 100, meaning it is safer than 76 percent of cities in the nation.
The chance to be a victim of crime is one in 89 people, and only 11 percent of other communities in California have lower crime rates. The online company provides this research from the total number of crimes reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and city population size.
“One thing that is special about Temple City is how well the Sheriff’s Department and City Hall work together,” Sergeant Michael Martinez said. “Cooperation of the Sheriff’s Department, City Hall and revision of the Neighborhood Watch Program contributed to the high ranking.”
The Neighborhood Watch Program established 12 program divisions in the city with one division per neighborhood to enhance community involvement. Meetings are now more active with an attendance of 75 to 100 people each night.
“We are very pleased,” Councilmember Tom Chavez said. “It reaffirms what a great place Temple City is to raise a family and to live. We really want to keep the image of a safe city and continue improving public safety.”
Compared to bigger cities like San Gabriel with a crime index of 57, Monrovia 32 and Pasadena 25, Temple City has a low crime rate. The annual violent crime per 1,000 residents in Temple City is only 1.45 whereas California’s is 4.11.
“I feel that Temple City does a relatively good job in keeping public safety,” Junior Cynthia Garcia said. “It can be late at night, but I still feel safe enough to go out with friends and not worry about it.”