Canada is well-known as a safe, just and peaceful society. Canadian crime rates have been falling steadily since the 1990s. Canada's police-reported a decrease in the crime rate for the sixth year in a row, falling by five per cent. Violent crimes declined for the fifth year in a row and Canada's homicide rate now accounts for less than one percent of all reported violent incidents. Unlike its US neighbours to the south, firearms are strictly controlled and generally are not permitted in Canada.