SAVANNAH, Ga. () – Residents of Savannah were able to engage in a dialogue with local leaders and emergency responders at a town hall meeting on Thursday, following a rise in criminal activity.

The town hall was hosted by District 5 Alderwoman and Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz, PhD, in Tatemville.

“We can feel better knowing they’ve got our back,” said Savannah resident Angel Brayboy.

Gratitude was the main emotion expressed by community members attending the town hall. The meeting’s focus was public safety.

Alderwoman Shabazz said she not only held the meeting for District 5 constituents but for everyone.

“This was necessary because there have been public safety issues in this district and the city that have worried my constituents and other Savannah residents,” stated the alderwoman.

Dr. Shabazz was joined by leaders in the Savannah Police Department (SPD), Fire Department (SFD), and City Manager Jay Melder.

“I’m pleased we have the chance to interact with them personally and ask direct questions instead of always sending emails or posting on social media, which can sometimes escalate or be misinterpreted,” Brayboy commented.

SPD Chief Lenny Gunther showed through a series of graphs that from Jan. 1-May 17, street crime has doubled, with an emphasis on vehicle thefts.

“We are about transparency,” said Alderwoman Shabazz. “Somebody in the police department said they don’t hide away from situations, they handle situations. It was the police chief who said that.”

City leaders also used the town hall to heavily promote SPD’s new community app as a way for the community to be directly involved in public safety. They said so far it has been very effective.

The SPD community app is available for download on the Google Play stores. Users can report tips, register security cameras, request police reports, and more.