Local leaders are calling for stepped-up efforts against drug dealing and gang activity.
19 homicides were recorded in Evansville and Vanderburgh County in 2017, and one was committed on New Year’s Day.
Officials say the overwhelming majority of the crimes were drug and gang-related.
During a news conference, Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke called on the city council to re-allocate funding to boost the local anti-gang task force…
("There will be a second component to that gang task force that will be charged specifically with getting bad guys off the street."')
Police Chief Billy Bolin said the goal is to make the community safer…
("We're going to throw every possible resource we have at this problem. If you want to be a violent gang-banger, we're going to make Evansville, Indiana the most unhospitable place in the country to do your trade.")
Sheriff Dave Wedding said he wants to expand the county jail by 500 beds, rehabilitate drug addicts, and keep dealers off the street…
("It's going to take some time but we will also ouse prisoners in other jails becuyase I'm not going to advocate releasing criminals.")
The state has directed Vanderburgh County to come up with a plan to reduce jail overcrowding.
Both Mayor Winnecke and Chief Bolin reiterated support for the Spot Shotter surveillance system, which was axed from the city budget over cost concerns.
Winnecke, Bolin, and Wedding pledged to work together to reduce crime.
(Wedding also pointed out the number of local homicides was significantly lower than those in Louisville, Indianapolis, Ft. Wayne, and Chicago.)