New Hampshire won the 2008 “Safest State” award.

In a report released by CQ Press out of Washington, D.C. they announced its 15th annual rankings for safest and most-dangerous states.

The state of New Hampshire has the lowest murder rate in the country, and the second lowest rates of aggravated assaults and burglaries. CQ based its rankings on FBI uniform crime reports from the year 2006. Crime rates are based on incidents per 100,000 citizens.

New Hampshire rose to the top from fourth place last year. Northern New England dominated the top slots, as Vermont ranked second and Maine was fourth. North Dakota fell to third after 10 years in first place and South Dakota was fifth.

Gov. John Lynch hailed the CQ Press findings stating, “Our low crime rate is part of what makes this such a great place to live and work. As a state, we are routinely recognized as a national leader and I can think of no better category to lead the nation than in the safety of our citizens.” “I am committed to ensuring we remain one of the safest states in the nation,” Lynch said.

With this recognition, we should take time to thank the hard-working men and women of New Hampshire law enforcement who help keep us all safe.

Attorney General Kelly Ayotte said New Hampshire has done well in rankings by the FBI itself over the past five years. “In our state there is tremendous cooperation among law enforcement at all levels, and I think that significantly contributes to our ability to deter crime, and to solve crimes when they occur,” say Ayotte.