Ada has been named one of Ohio's 16 safest cities by the National Council for Home Safety and Security.  The list of Ohio’s 50 safest cities refers to populations of 5,000 or more.  

The council reviews the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report statistics along with their own population data and internal research to formulate and rank each city.

According to Police Chief Michael Harnishfeger, he credits the entire Ada community for being civic minded and engaged for a safer community as a major component in this distinction.  

In 2002, the police department invented and implemented their award-winning project, S.A.F.E.R., Seeking Aid From Every Resident.  Project S.A.F.E.R. encourages citizen engagement and recognizes individuals who contribute to a safer Ada.  

Chief Harnishfeger believes that these efforts are critical in maintaining a safer community and being named Ohio’s 16th safest cities goes a long way in confirming that our work is paying off.

Cities were ranked based on the number of reported violent crimes (aggravated assault, murder, rape, and robbery) and property crimes (burglary, arson, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft) per 100,000 people.  

These variables were then weighted, with violent crimes accounting for 70 percent of the total and property crimes accounting for 30 percent.

The council is a national trade association comprised of licensed alarm installers and contractors. The group's goal is to further industry education and public knowledge about home safety and security.