NATALIE RASCHER ANNOUNCES HER PLAYBOOK FOR EVANSVILLE

NATALIE RASCHERS PLAYBOOK FOR EVANSVILLE

 Public Safety 

A paramount issue that affects our community’s quality of life is safety and protection. As we’ve seen over the last few years, crime and disorder have made a dangerous comeback in cities across America. In this age of instant videos and social media, law enforcement has never been more scrutinized. Regrettably, anti-police forces are using these videos to smear and handicap police agencies, sow distrust, and weaken community confidence in public safety. 

Good leadership means offering our city strong public safety agencies, consisting of well-trained professionals utilizing the latest modern technology and equipment. Crime prevention and fire protection are the heart of a community’s ability to grow, prosper and attract new development and jobs. We must promote trust in our law enforcement community and firefighting professionals whose heroic efforts make our city safer. 

Our local police and fire departments have done an exemplary job in recent years but there is always room for improvement. As Mayor, I will require leadership of our public safety department to set a tone of excellence, discipline and integrity and work constantly to improve morale, training, equipment, and cooperation within the agencies and with the public. 

Police officers and firefighters will be able to count on my administration to be their advocate in our shared mission to provide our citizens with the highest possible standard of service and performance. 

Leadership and Collaboration 

The leadership of a quality police and fire department starts with the Mayor. Our administration will set a tone of excellence that is focused on commitment and integrity. 

The police and fire chiefs will continue to report directly to the Mayor to ensure information is not filtered. This direct line of communication will include minimum weekly briefings as well as numerous opportunities for dialog at any time to address pressing issues for their departments or community safety. The Mayor must have complete confidence in the police and fire chiefs and vice versa. 

Neighborhood Focus 

I will require our public safety agencies to interact and communicate with our neighborhood organizations. A strong relationship between neighborhood organizations and public safety promotes better collaboration and information which will serve to minimize misunderstandings. My administration will develop enhanced social media and online tools to provide a two-way flow of information that allows public interaction to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between the citizens of Evansville and its public safety personnel. New technology can be used and implemented at the neighborhood level to highlight crime locations and activity and assist citizens in the development of solutions. 

As Mayor, I pledge to attend public safety neighborhood and sector meetings to learn firsthand of citizen concerns and introduce the latest public safety programs to address these concerns. We will encourage our neighborhood leaders to attend citizen academies and fire department presentations to participate in so they can be versed in modern police and fire tactics. 

Community Involvement and Education 

As Mayor, I will strive to foster a renewed sense of community collaboration and a shared mindset on public safety. Our administration will publicize and enhance the police citizens’ academy, expand this concept to the fire department, and focus on educating the public. We will offer these programs at times and locations that promote broad public participation and educational opportunities. We will also ensure our school resource officers have communications tools and training to maximize the value delivered to the schools, students, and families. I want to see our public safety agencies expand online transparency using social media and modern interactive software in a way that educates while serving the public. 

Quality Equipment and Working Conditions 

To properly protect the public, police officers and firefighters need quality equipment. As Mayor, my administration will ensure that police and firefighters always have the proper tools to do their jobs. 

Our budget will include funding to purchase police vehicles in a manner that allows the replacement of front-line vehicles so that the newer vehicles are working the streets. I support our police being allowed to take home patrol cars. These patrol cars serve as a visible deterrent to crime in our neighborhoods. 

Although our fire department has been able to acquire newer vehicles relative to the nationwide average, there are areas for improvement, including frequent maintenance. Also, each reserve apparatus needs to be fully equipped. 

Our administration will pledge to acquire funding to upgrade fire stations using a regular maintenance program. Emergency supplies for fire emergencies should also include specialized equipment and supplies for earthquakes and tornadoes given Evansville’s location near the seismic lines of the New Madrid fault. 

Elevating Personnel 

As Mayor, I will maintain an open door policy for public safety employees, both rank and file and leadership. We will promote the health and safety of our public safety personnel, including their mental health. We will enhance recruitment tools to boost candidate sourcing to identify dedicated, well-educated, community-oriented public safety employment prospects. I believe each public safety worker should have access to a personal development plan to maximize skills and opportunities within the departments. Finally, we will work to maintain a competitive pay and benefits package for our public safety employees within the confines of the city budget. 

Natalie Rascher 

Candidate for Mayor 

Evansville, Indiana

FOOTNOTE:  The City-County Observer posted this article without bias or editing.