SAVANNAH, Ga. () – Savannahians had the opportunity to have an open conversation with elected officials and first responders after a spike in crime in a town hall Thursday.

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.

“It was due to the fact that there have been things going on public safety wise in this district and this city that have been a concern for my constituents along with people in the City of Savannah,” said the alderwoman.

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

“I’m glad we have the opportunity to connect with them on a deeper level and ask them questions directly rather than sending an email all the time or say something on social media that could blow up or go in the wrong direction,” said Brayboy.

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.