SUNY Cortland has been working hard to keep the campus safe and it's looking like the hard work has paid off.

Campus crime rates are lower than they have been in more than four decades.

Now, SUNY Cortland has been ranked safest campus in the state by YourLocalSecurity.com. The site uses information from the FBI and U.S. Department of Education to make their list.

"I always feel really safe, like I've never felt like I was in danger anytime night or day," said student Valerie Dellorusso.

SUNY Cortland has watched crime steadily decline over the last few years and, in 2019, it reached its lowest rate since 1977.

"What's happened is we've finally gotten to the point where we’re starting to see the impact,” said SUNY Cortland Communications Director Fred Pierce.

University Police reported a 28 percent decrease in campus crimes, and arrests were nearly cut in half.

Officials attribute the lower numbers to a proactive approach to safety.

"The biggest thing is our department is communicating with students and getting to know them,” Pierce said.

Police hosted more than 100 community programs for the first time last year and they make sure to notify students each time an incident occurs on campus.

"There's definitely a presence. I feel like no matter where you are you can always see a cop car. I feel like I could go to them if I needed anything," said student Rose Demuro.

Last year, 230 crimes were reported on campus.