Sugar Land Police Chief Doug Brinkley reported Tuesday the city saw an all-time low crime rate in 2017. Some notable statistics from the police department’s annual report include a 10 percent decrease in overall crime from 2016 to 2017; a 22 percent decrease in violent crime from 2016 to 2017; and a 9.5 percent decrease in property crime from 2016 to 2017. “Despite our historic low crime rate, we will remain proactive and continue our focus to remain one of the safest cities in the nation,” Brinkley said in a release. “This will include continued resources such as a special impact team to address burglaries and educational efforts intended to ensure our citizens remain safe.” All crime rates in Sugar Land are consistently significantly lower that the state and national averages, according to 2016 data as national and state crime rates for 2017 will not be released until later this year, according to the report. Brinkley said he credits strong police presence, community partnerships, public education, commitment to technology, training and departmental leadership to the record low crime rate. Additionally, 21 officers were hired and trained in 2017 to accommodate the annexation of Greatwood and New Territory, he said. “We are committed to a leadership role in building community partnerships,” Brinkley said. “It's important for us to stay connected to the community, which enables us to work together to create a safe environment to live and work.”