Public Safety

Virginia's goal is to protect the public's safety and security, ensure a fair and effective system of justice, and provide a prepared response to emergencies and disasters of all kinds.

• Virginia's crime rate is lower than two-thirds of the states.
• Virginia's juvenile arrest rate for property and violent crimes is well below the national average.
• The Department of State Police has maintained accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies for more than 15 years.
• In 2007, Virginia earned a perfect score for readiness to respond to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.
• Virginia's traffic fatality rate is lower than the national average and has decreased from a recent high in 2007.

The public safety indicators help to assess the progress we are making, understand the key elements that influence performance, and clarify the role the Commonwealth is taking to protect and improve the safety and security of our citizens.

Indicators

• Crime
• Emergency Preparedness
• Juvenile Intakes
• Recidivism (Juvenile and Adult)
• Traffic Fatalities