Data analysts at safety research group Safewise have released their 12th annual Safest Cities Report, which names Moorpark as the 4th-safest city in California for their 2026 rankings. Safewise examines FBI-reported violent and property crime data to identify crime rate patterns across the United States.
In recognizing Moorpark’s accomplishment, Moorpark Police Chief Nick Odenath was quick to credit his officers and community leaders: “Moorpark is home to some of the best-trained and dedicated peace officers in California, and we are fortunate to serve a community that supports and prioritizes public safety,” noted Odenath. Odenath is a Captain with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, which is contracted by the City of Moorpark to provide public safety services as the Moorpark Police Department.
Mayor Chris Enegren echoed Odenath’s comments, noting: “This ranking reflects the results of our long-standing commitment to prioritizing public safety with our City’s budget and policies. We’re extremely proud of our Moorpark Police Department for their diligent work in keeping our community safe.”
| Moorpark | California | United States | |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1.0 (per 1,000 people) | 4.24 (per 1,000 people) | 4.43 (per 1,000 people) |
| Property Crime Rate | 7.2 (per 1,000 people) | 20.84 (per 1,000 people) | 22.89 (per 1,000 people) |
The ranking comes on the heels of innovative and expanded efforts from by the Moorpark Police Department. “A city does not become one of the safest in California by chance,” said Moorpark Police Chief Nick Odenath. These efforts include:
- Free Home and Business Security Assessments: Upon request, Moorpark Police Department staff offers free on-site security assessments of Moorpark homes and businesses to identify ways to harden them against theft and other crimes.
- Downtown Liaison Deputy: With the redevelopment of Moorpark’s downtown High Street corridor in 2025, the City Council created an additional police officer position to serve as the Downtown Liaison Deputy, focusing on patrolling the downtown area and building relationships with new residents and businesses alike.
- Etch and Catch Program: To help combat catalytic converter theft, the Moorpark Police Department partners with local auto mechanics to etch VIN numbers into catalytic converters to discourage theft and reselling.
- Cognitive Impairment Registration Program: Residents can register loved ones with cognitive impairments to help reunite them with their families in the event they become disoriented and leave a safe area.
- Continuous Community Outreach: The Moorpark Police Department places a high priority on building community relations, actively participating in National Night Out, with a record 800+ people attending in 2025, and hosting regular Coffee with a Cop events at different eateries/coffee shops across Moorpark.
“Being named the 4th safest city in California is a tremendous honor, but we won’t stop striving until Moorpark is #1,” added Mayor Chris Enegren. “We know that public safety is the foundation of our quality of life. If we ever lose it, we lose what makes Moorpark truly special.”