SAVANNAH, Ga. — Savannah is grappling with distinct challenges related to gangs and violent crime, according to Mayor Van Johnson. In response, city leaders are focusing on strategic policing, active community participation, and preventive initiatives to enhance public safety.

Mayor Johnson highlighted a common misunderstanding regarding the definition of gang activity within Savannah.

“We need to clarify for people the distinction between being gang-affiliated and actively involved in gang activities. Being a gang member doesn’t automatically mean the incident is gang-related,” he explained.

Johnson emphasized that investigators assess each situation on a case-by-case basis and refrain from labeling it as gang-related unless there’s substantial evidence.

“We address each situation based on the facts,” he stated. “If an incident is gang-involved, we will identify it as such. However, not every incident is linked to gang activities.”

So far this year, Savannah has recorded fewer than 30 homicides, most tied to disputes over relationships, drugs or money.

“Most of them are either people who are somehow involved in the criminal justice system, which has been very challenging for us because we arrest them, but then we turn them over to the criminal justice system that we don’t control,” Johnson said. “We don’t control prosecutors. We don’t control judges. And so, it frustrates us when we look at people that we know that’s back out on the street.”

The mayor noted that Savannah faces unique challenges because the city’s population doubles during the day with workers, students, military personnel and more than 16 million visitors each year.

Even with those challenges, Johnson points to progress in reducing crime.

“Some of the things that we’re doing are working,” he said. “We’ve gotten smarter in police work, and we’ve worked harder to address the social issues through our Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. They go out, talk to people, build relationships, and turn the temperature down when violent events occur.”

Johnson also highlighted efforts focused on youth and gun reduction as part of the city’s crime-fighting strategy.

“We’re not used to handling snow,” he said. “We’re not used to government shutdowns. We’re not used to an acid attack. That’s something that’s totally new to us. And so, for us, we take the lessons that we have learned and then we have to be able to adapt them to address the issues that have occurred around the country, that have shown themselves here. A mass shooting in a mall. I mean, that doesn’t happen here, but it did happen.”

He also addressed public scrutiny during the interview, including his response to a social media comment about the acid attack near Forsyth Park. A resident began her comment with “Yawn” and asked whether he had reached out to the victim. Johnson replied, “Maybe you should take a nap.” Full story is below:

Despite the challenges, Johnson said Savannah remains focused on safety, prevention and adapting to new crime trends.