CONCORD - CQ Press has named New Hampshire the “Safest State” in the nation for 2009, the second year in a row the state has been recognized as the safest state.

New Hampshire again boasts the nation’s lowest murder rate and the second-lowest rates for aggravated assault, according to CQ Press.

“I am proud that working together we continue to keep New Hampshire the ‘Safest State’ in the nation. Our low crime rate has long been a part of what makes this such a great place to live and work, and it is important that we work to maintain our high quality of life,” Gov. Lynch said. “ “With this recognition, we should take time to thank the hard-working men and women of New Hampshire law enforcement who work every day to help keep us all safe.”

Crime State Rankings and the Safest State Award are published annually by Washington, D.C.-based CQ Press.

Gov. Lynch has made public safety a priority since becoming Governor. Gov. Lynch has worked with the Attorney General, police chiefs from across New Hampshire and lawmakers to better protect children by passing one of the toughest sexual predator laws in the country; increased the state police; and increased the number of state prosecutors.