For the second consecutive year, Farmington Hills is the third safest city in Michigan, according to Safe City rankings compiled late last year by CQ Press. 

The list has been compiled annually since 2007 and ranks large U.S. cities based on reporting of serious crimes. It also places Farmington Hills among the 50 safest places to live in the country.

Troy was ranked as Michigan's safest city. The rankings include all cities of at least 75,000 residents based on crime data reported to the FBI in 2010. The crime data includes six categories: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft.

“Even with a smaller staff, police personnel stepped up to the challenges and continue to provide superior police services that keep our community safe. I am proud of each sworn and civilian member of the department,” Farmington Hills Police Chief Chuck Nebus said. 

He expects the city's high Safe City rankings to continue. The department ended 2011 with a 7 percent drop in serious Part A crimes, which have declined by a total of 21 percent over the past three years. 

In late 2011, the department hired its first new police officer in over four years. The department also replaced its cadet program with part-time civilian police service aides, who are assigned to jail and desk duties and free up officers for street patrols.

The new public safety millage, which takes effect July 1, 2012, will prevent further service reductions, but no new positions will be added. The department anticipates filling some retirement vacancies during 2012.

Nebus expects to deliver the department's 2011 annual report to city council members in early March; the report and other crime information will then be available at fhgov.com.