Our Process in Action

Standing Up for Safer Neighborhoods

In the fall of 2019, CAJE members held more than 50 house meetings in which people shared their concerns. We heard stories of people being wakened by gunshots, stray bullets striking homes and automobiles, and people being murdered by gunfire on the sidewalks of their neighborhoods. Gun violence in our community was a serious and growing problem and it demanded an urgent response.

Due to public health concerns surounding Covid 19, CAJE teams conducted research and consultations via Zoom. In meetings with local law enforcement officials they acknowledged the gravity of the problem. We gathered and assessed the data; it painted a disturbing picture.

2017
- 820 shots fired calls
- 64 people injured or killed
- 22 people lost their lives
2018
- 695 shots fired calls
- 42 people injured or killed
- 13 homicides
2019
- 686 shots fired
- 67 people injured or killed
- 11 homicides

Evansville Chief of Police Bolin pointed us to the National Network for Safe Communities (NNSC), a project of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice recognized as a preeminent thought leader on gun violence intervention. In discussions with NNSC representatives, CAJE researchers determined a partnership with NNSC offered the best available solution for reducing gun violence in our community. Their fee — $380,000 — was an extraordinary expense that would require a special commitment from community leaders. CAJE immediately went to work on securing the allocation. We presented our findings and the solution to the Mayor and City Council. The Mayor agreed with our assessment and publicly stated his support for the funding at our Nehemiah Action in May 2021. He urged the City Council to approve the budget request for 2022. CAJE members flooded councilors with emails and more than 50 CAJE members showed up in council’s chambers to show support when they voted to approve the budget. The allocation was approved and the partnership with NNSC and Evansville commenced in 2023.

Once CAJE gains a commitment, we follow up. In this case, the Mayor appointed one of our leaders to the local task force that collaborated with NNSC experts. Data to date is encouraging; the numbers for 2023 show a significant decrease in gun violence in Evansville

2023
- 495 shots fired calls
- 31 people injured or killed
- 3 homicides

No one should be subject to gun violence or live in fear of it. CAJE continues to watch this issue and is poised to bring its people power to bear once again if needed on behalf of our community.