The high quality of life in Norman is reflected in a low crime rate. This is evidenced each year by Norman�s standings in a Benchmark Cities Survey, in which the department participates with a group of similar cities from around the U.S. We take great pride in the favorable comparison of our city with some truly outstanding cities, each of which is known for a high quality of life. The 2005 survey showed Norman with the eighth lowest incidence of Part I Crimes (serious felonies) among the eighteen benchmark cities reporting, despite our having the third lowest budget per capita for police service of these cities.
The Community Oriented Policing philosophy fits well in the social and political environment of Norman and many programs and avenues are in place that keep officers in frequent contact with citizens. Through these problem-solving efforts we hope to further our crime prevention and crime solution efforts.