Pontiac Times

SafeWise, an independent review site, has named Oakland Township one of the top 100 safest communities in the U.S.

"Congratulations to Oakland Township for being named the third-safest community in the U.S.," Rep. John Reilly (R-Oakland Township) said on Facebook when announcing his township had made the list. 

Oakland came in as the third-safest community in the nation, after Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and Broadview Heights, Ohio, according to SafeWise's "100 Safest Cities in America" list. The list is compiled using FBI crime statistics and data from the U.S. Census to determine the safest cities. 

Three additional Oakland County communities made the list as well, Patch reported. Commerce Township ranked number 77, Independence Township number 95 and Oxford Township came in at 97. All of these communities are under the jurisdiction of the Oakland County Sheriff's Department. 

"Our team continues to shine, and everyone has worked incredibly hard during challenging times, especially amidst the current pandemic," Sheriff Michael Bouchard told Patch. "Only six communities in Michigan made the top 100 list, and four of the six are in areas where the Sheriff's Office patrols. I cannot say enough about the good work our deputies continue to do to ensure the safety of our residents."