Evansville, IN – Mayor Stephanie Terry and the Evansville Police Department (EPD) are inviting residents to a second “Safer Evansville” town hall on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at Zion Missionary Baptist Church and will focus on community‑based public‑safety strategies that go beyond traditional law‑enforcement.
Building on the first town hall
The first Safer Evansville Town Hall, held earlier this year, centered on enforcement tactics and presented a review of violent‑crime trends from 2020 through 2025. Officials highlighted a 60% drop in murders, a 43.5% decline in shooting victims, and a 47% increase in firearms seized during that period. Those figures illustrate the progress made under the current administration’s emphasis on both deterrence and prevention.
Introducing Evansville 360
At Thursday’s gathering, EPD will introduce “Evansville 360,” a new collaborative initiative designed to bring together schools, faith‑based groups, neighborhood associations, and local businesses to address the root causes of violence. The program aims to strengthen families, provide mentorship opportunities for youth, and expand access to resources that support safe, thriving neighborhoods.
Mayor Terry’s message
Mayor Terry emphasized that public safety is a shared responsibility. “Our community’s strength lies in the partnership between law‑enforcement, families, churches, and local leaders,” she said in a press release. “By working together, we can continue to protect our children and uphold the values that make Evansville a great place to live and raise a family.”
What residents can expect
The town hall will feature a brief presentation of recent crime statistics, followed by a Q&A session where citizens can voice concerns, suggest ideas, and learn how to get involved in Evansville 360. EPD representatives will also outline upcoming community‑policing efforts, such as neighborhood watch expansions and youth outreach programs.
Why the initiative matters
Violent crime has been a pressing issue for many Indiana communities, and Evansville’s recent declines demonstrate the effectiveness of a balanced approach that combines enforcement with proactive community engagement. By highlighting both the successes and the ongoing challenges, the town hall seeks to reinforce confidence in local leadership while inviting continued participation from residents.
How to attend
The event is open to all Evansville residents. No registration is required, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating. For those unable to attend in person, the city plans to livestream the meeting on its official website later in the evening.
Looking ahead
Mayor Terry and EPD hope that the Safer Evansville Town Hall series will become a regular forum for transparent dialogue, ensuring that public‑safety policies remain responsive to community needs. The upcoming Evansville 360 initiative is slated to launch in early 2027, with pilot projects targeting high‑risk neighborhoods and schools.
For more information, residents can contact the Mayor’s Office or the Evansville Police Department at (812) 555‑1234.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
