1. society
2. crime

Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
About Jacobsville Join In & Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
Commissioned by the City of Evansville, ECHO Housing Corporation along with community
partners launched a comprehensive community development initiative in 2012, known as
Jacobsville Join In, to establish a resident-led quality of life process
for residents and stakeholders of the Jacobsville neighborhood. A
quality of life process is a way for the Jacobsville neighborhood to
define and document a vision for the future rooted in the assets of
the neighborhood, the resources (time, talent, and treasure)
available, and the passion of the local residents and stakeholders.
A Jacobsville Vision and Quality of Life Plan (QoL) were developed
by people from the neighborhood, who are engaged in doing the
work of implementing the plan and improving the quality of life in
the neighborhood. The QoL establishes a way for residents and
stakeholders to hold each other accountable through action plans with performance measures.
Coordinating across six key themes (Housing, Safety/Cleanliness, Business Corridors,
Youth/Education, Employment and Infrastructure/Parks) for Jacobsville, the QoL ensures that
projects are rooted in a common vision, rather than individual endeavors that don’t build
toward success for the neighborhood. Jacobsville working groups meet monthly to develop and
implement action steps to achieve neighborhood goals on topics that are important to the
neighborhood.
During initial listening interviews in the quality of life process, neighborhood crime and safety
were listed as a top priority by residents and stakeholders – widespread physical and social
disorder and persistent crime are impacting neighborhood safety in Jacobsville and jeopardizing
redevelopment potential.
Created under President Obama and his Administration’s larger national Neighborhood
Revitalization Initiative efforts, the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation (BCJI) launched in 2012 and
was created to develop and implement place-based, community-oriented strategies to
transform distressed communities into communities of opportunity. Applying the efforts of
Jacobsville Join In, EHC applied for and received a Byrne Criminal Justice Initiative (BCJI) Planning
and Enhancement grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to assist the Jacobsville community
carry out core concepts through comprehensive research identifying crime “hot spots” and
crime drivers; and utilizing evidence-based programs to impact neighborhood crime. The
project is known as the Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance.
Jacobsville is a persistently distressed neighborhood and crime reporting data show top four
reported crimes in Jacobsville in 2012 were 1) vehicular crimes (2) burglary (residential/nonresidential), 3) vandalism and 4) narcotics dealing. ECHO’s initial analysis pointed to five primary
risk factors (crime drivers) in Jacobsville: 1) economic deprivation, 2) blight & urban decay, 3)
drug activity, 4) low neighborhood bonding and 5) sense of helplessness among residents.
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
While the Jacobsville population represents only 5% of the overall Evansville population, the
number of reported crimes in Jacobsville represents 10% of the city’s overall reported crime.
ECHO Housing Corporation applied for and received a Planning and Enhancement grant from the
U.S. Department of Justice to assist the Jacobsville community carry out core Byrne Criminal
Justice Initiative (BCJI) concepts through comprehensive research identifying crime “hot spots”
and crime drivers; and utilizing evidence-based programs to impact neighborhood crime.
Working with community partners, including residents, stakeholders and local law enforcement,
ECHO Housing Corporation’s Jacobsville Join In (JJI) will lead an innovative, place-based initiative
to reduce crime and improve public safety in Jacobsville. The project is known as the Jacobsville
Crime Free Alliance.
As a vibrant, "hip and cool" neighborhood where relationships flourish, Jacobsville
will serve as a model for other neighborhoods, offering ample opportunities to
build relationships, foster strong families, and establish "roots" in Jacobsville
leading to well-maintained homes and businesses, transportation choices,
educational opportunities for youth and adults, new and exciting retail
establishments and restaurants, and safe and attractive public spaces.
We are Jacobsville. Join In.
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Table of Contents
About Jacobsville Join In & Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance ......................................................... 1
Table of Contents........................................................................................................................... 3
What we discovered through research ......................................................................................... 4
Crime Hot Spots .......................................................................................................................... 4
Crime Hot Spot Map .................................................................................................................. 5
Priority Focus Areas .................................................................................................................... 6
What is driving crime in Jacobsville?........................................................................................... 7
Key Factors to Support Reduction of Crime ................................................................................ 11
Diverse Mix of Organizations, Facilities, Services, and Recreation Areas………………...…………….11
Current Efforts to Address Crime……………………………………………..……………………………………........12
Community Development Initiatives.........................................................................................12
Strong Business Partnerships.....................................................................................................12
Recreation Areas and Facilities...................................................................................................12
Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance.................................................................................................... 13
Objective 1: To increase awareness and organization of community resources ...................... 13
Objective 2: To reduce the number of physical locations ........................................................ 14
Objective 3: To improve perceptions of and sense of fear regarding crime ............................ 18
Objective 4: To increase neighborhood pride, social bonding and cohesiveness .................... 19
Objective 5: To increase protective factors and reduce risk factors ....................................... 22
Opportunities to Join In ...............................................................................................................24
Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance Program Partners ...................................................................... 26
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What we discovered through research.
Diehl Consultants, Evansville, Indiana, conducted a
comprehensive research and data analysis of Jacobsville’s crime
drivers in order to inform planning, design and implementation
of coordinated, placed-based strategies.
The purpose of the study was to examine crime drivers, risk
factors, and protective factors to identify crime hot spots in
Jacobsville. Multiple quantitative and qualitative data sources
were utilized to develop a comprehensive picture of crime
issues and geographic areas to be targeted through
implementation of evidence-based strategies.
A planning team comprised of a cross-sector of stakeholders,
including law enforcement, city government, housing, community development, education, and
residents, managed the research phase of the project. Additionally, approximately fifty key
stakeholders representing a wide range of backgrounds and organizations provided input into
the issues of crime in the neighborhood. These individuals participated in either a key informant
interview that primarily involved representatives of stakeholder organizations or community
discussions that exclusively included residents of Jacobsville.
The preliminary findings, goals and objectives presented in the initial BCJI program narrative
provide basis for both a qualitative and quantitative research methodology. Thirteen key
questions were developed to serve as the framework through which Jacobsville’s crime issues
were examined. Primary research methods included: 1) Key Informant Interviews, 2) Community
Discussions and 3) Secondary Data Analysis.
Crime Hot Spots
Based on the analysis of crime drivers and risk factors associated with crime, the following crime
hot spots were identified in the Jacobsville neighborhood. These specific blocks were
determined by examining crime incidents (including subgroups such as narcotics), arrests,
housing occupancy type, housing occupancy rates, and high crime areas as reported by study
participants for all blocks in Jacobsville.
Analysis of spatial crime pattern data revealed 22 specific blocks as top
neighborhood crime hot spots, determined by crime incidents (during the
period January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2013), arrests, housing occupancy and
rates and high crime areas reported by residents and stakeholders during
informant interviews and community discussions.
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Jacobsville Crime Hot-Spot Map: 22 hot-spot locations where crime occurs
the most.
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The entire Jacobsville neighborhood is considered a priority crime hot spot in Evansville.
Therefore a neighborhood wide implementation strategy is being proposed with some emphasis
on three priority areas that are most problematic with certain crime issues/drivers. These
priority areas are detailed below.
Priority Focus Area 1: Census Tract 23, Block Group 1 (east
central part of the neighborhood, primary hot spot 23-1033).
During the two-year period (January 1, 2012 – December 31,
2013) the area had 172 high crime incidents and rates first or
second on nine risk factors.
Priority Focus Area 2: Census Tract 20, Block Group 1
(southwest section of the neighborhood, primary hot spots
*20-1023 & 20-1040). During the two-year period, the area
had 100 high crime incidents and rates first or second on 20
risk factors. Vacant land parcels that occupy hot spot 20-1023
will be eliminated by the addition of a new workforce
housing complex being constructed by EHC and slated for
completion by May 2016.
Priority Focus Area 3: Census Tract 21, Block Group 1
(primary hot spots 20-1040, 21-1003, 20-1012, 20-1023, 201030, 20-1038). During the two-year period, the area had 240
high crime incidents and rates first or second on eight risk
factors.
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Most significant crime issues / crime drivers in the three Priority Focus Areas:
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Drug and alcohol use and abuse.
Poverty.
High percentage of rental, vacant and blighted properties.
What is driving crime in Jacobsville?
Through analysis of the key research questions, the most significant drivers of crime were
identified, which are both causing crime and posing the greatest challenge to reducing crime.
These are the factors that are contributing to and posing challenges to the reduction of crime in
the neighborhood. Each main crime driver is presented below along with evidence to support
the inclusion of the factor.
High Rate of Drug Use and Dealing
A common theme among many respondents was the degree to which drugs are a contributing
factor to crime in the Jacobsville neighborhood.
Approximately 83% of key informant interview respondents indicated that illicit drug use
is a fairly big problem or a huge problem, and approximately 73% selected one of these
two options for drug dealing. The factor most mentioned by community discussion
participants when asked what types of crime cause the most problems was drugs. Further,
drug and alcohol use and abuse was among the top responses from all participants when
asked why crime is occurring in the neighborhood. Among several respondents, drugs
were highly correlated with poor economic conditions and transience of residents.
Crime data show that a total of 676 drug and alcohol combined incidents and 334 narcotics
specific incidents were reported in Jacobsville between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013.
These types of crimes were particularly high in Census Tract 23 Block Group 1 (east central part
of the neighborhood) and Census Tract 20 Block Group 1 (southwest section of Jacobsville).
These areas also were high for narcotics arrests, with 248 total narcotics arrest charges
occurring in the neighborhood during the two-year period. Finally, 23-1 was particularly high in
meth lab seizures, with 14 reported between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013, by far the
highest in the neighborhood.
Economic Deprivation/High Poverty Rates
Census data indicate high poverty rates in many sections of the Jacobsville neighborhood.
Almost half of residents in the Census Tract 19 Block Group 1 (most southwest corner of the
neighborhood) and Census Tract 20 Block Group 1 (southwest section of Jacobsville) are in
poverty based on Census definitions. In other areas, it is common for one-quarter to one-third
of residents to be in poverty.
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When asked why crime is occurring in the neighborhood, key informant and community
discussion participants cited poverty as one of the top factors, which was actually tied
with drug and alcohol use and abuse. While several individuals recognized that poverty
alone does not naturally lead to crime, they have witnessed crime as a result of economic
hardship among many residents of the community. Further, generational poverty was
noted as a barrier for reducing and eliminating crime given the enduring, ingrained nature
of this condition.
High Rates of Rental Properties/Low Home Ownership
Based on data from the Vanderburgh County Property Assessor and the City of Evansville
landlord registry, approximately 64% of residential properties in Jacobsville are renter-occupied.
This rate is very similar to data from the U.S. Census. Rental rates are particularly high in Census
Tract 19 Block Group 1 (84%) and Census Tract 20 Block Group 1 (78%).
The high rate of renters in the neighborhood was noted by key informant and community
discussion participants as a contributor to crime and a barrier to reducing crime.
Respondents believe increasing home ownership would be one effective strategy to
address crime issues in the neighborhood.
While being a renter does not naturally result in crime, and there is nothing inherently wrong
with renting, respondents believe that many of the rental properties in Jacobsville are owned by
landlords who do not maintain their properties and have no particular ties to the area. The
perception is that the quality of renters is poor because individuals are not sufficiently screened
for various risk factors. Additionally, a high percentage of short-term renters is believed to be
connected to a lack of stability in the area and low levels of cohesiveness and bonding in the
neighborhood, which are important for creating a vibrant, thriving community.
High Property Vacancy Rates/Abandoned Properties
Key informant and community discussion participants also
cited the high property vacancy rate as a main contributor to
crime in Jacobsville. Vacancies are also a result of crime in that
people who can afford to live elsewhere move out of the
neighborhood, or people who are involved in crime may leave
homes due to arrests or other factors. Poverty and an aging
population also are believed to contribute to property
vacancies. An interesting point made by some residents was
that older individuals would benefit from a program to address
housing structural concerns.
Many residents do not have the money or ability to make
repairs, and they believe that deterioration of properties
will lead to abandonment and blight, which are viewed as
drivers of crime. Abandoned properties are problematic
because they often serve as drug houses or attract vandalism.
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Data for one-, two-, and three-family residential properties collected specifically for the project
indicate that approximately 13% of these homes are vacant. U.S. Census figures actually
estimate higher vacancy rates for many sections of the neighborhood (approximately 22%).
Residential vacancy rates are particularly high in Census Tract 20 Block Group 1, Census Tract 21
Block Group 1 (south central portion of Jacobsville, east of Main Street), and Census Tract 21
Block Group 2 (southeast section of the neighborhood). Data provided through the HUD
Aggregated USPS Administrative Database show that business vacancy rates in the census tracts
in Jacobsville are also high. Across all tracts, vacancy rates range from 15% to 30%, with the
average number of days a business has been vacant ranging from 1,432 to 1,994.
Run-Down, Blighted Properties
Connected to vacant properties in the neighborhood are those that are run down and in need of
rehabilitation or demolition. Approximately 88% of key informant participants indicated that
run-down properties are either a fairly big problem (8%) or a huge problem (80%). Data from
the Evansville-Vanderburgh Building Commission show that 154 properties are currently
considered open structure codes violation cases, and 11 properties are on track for demolition.
The number of open structure cases is particularly high in Census Tract 25 Block Groups 1 and 2
(center sections of Jacobsville), Census Tract 20 Block Group 1, and Census Tract 23 Block Group
1. The number of properties on the scheduled
raze list is highest in 20-1.
The poor condition of properties is cited by key
informants and residents as a top barrier to
reducing crime and a key consequence of criminal
activity. With weak management by landlords, as
cited by participants, properties are not
maintained and continue to fall into disrepair.
As noted by stakeholders, the run-down nature of
properties also contributes to crime largely
because the residents do not take pride in the
properties. When properties are in poor condition,
individuals may not care about doing further
damage to the locations through vandalism, drug use, and other crimes.
Perceptions of Crime and Disorder
While data confirm that crime is a significant problem in Jacobsville, the perception of crime and
disorder creates an even larger barrier to reducing crime in the neighborhood. Key informant
participants rated the severity of crime as an average and median of 5 on a 7-point scale where
1 is ‘Not a Problem at All’ and 7 is ‘A Significant Problem.’
The vast majority of respondents indicated that residents, business owners/employees,
and those outside the neighborhood would agree that crime is a problem in Jacobsville.
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
As one resident indicated, the perception is that Jacobsville is among the two worst areas of
Evansville in terms of crime incidents. For this reason, some respondents believe that this area
has been abandoned not just by residents but by key stakeholders in the community. The views
about crime in Jacobsville appear to impact actual crime and create negative views about the
ability to make significant strides in reducing crime.
Sense of Fear Among Residents
A key theme identified through discussions with organizational representatives and residents
was a sense of fear that many individuals, particularly residents, have about safety and security
in the neighborhood.
More specifically, residents appear resistant to get involved in addressing crime because
of fear of retaliation by those committing the crimes. This sense of fear negatively impacts
the connection among residents because individuals choose to keep to themselves and
helps to perpetuate crime through a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. While the
anonymous tip line was cited as a positive step forward, some residents still feel isolated
in their efforts to address crime.
Therefore, it is important to have resources that will sufficiently address residents’ concerns and
ensure that all efforts are made to resolve their crime issues. A small number of residents
shared stories of feeling rejected in their attempts to involve law enforcement and believe the
crimes were not taken seriously. A feeling of support from the individuals who have the
authority, knowledge, and skills to address crime is helpful in alleviating some of the fear
residents experience in reporting criminal activity.
Lack of Knowledge about Resources and Better Organization of Resources
Key Informant Interview participants were asked to address the issue of whether there are
sufficient resources in the neighborhood to address crime issues in Jacobsville. Respondents
were clearly divided on their reaction to this item, with an almost equal number of individuals
agreeing that there were and were not sufficient resources.
Three key ideas emerged from additional comments from participants. One was the lack
of knowledge that individuals have about resources in the neighborhood and surrounding
community. Several people indicated that resources exist but that people are not aware of
them. This was echoed by community discussion participants. Another idea was that while
resources are available, they are not well organized and integrated. There appears to be a
series of silos instead of true integration of resources that significantly involve residents of
the neighborhood. The third idea was related to law enforcement, specifically the need for
more visibility.
It is obvious that many people initially think about police protection when asked about
resources to address crime. Although this speaks to the need to promote other methods of
dealing with crime, it also highlights the importance of the involvement of law enforcement in
response to and prevention of crime, as well as the need for collaboration among police,
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
residents, business owners, schools, and other key stakeholders in the neighborhood. It should
be noted that approximately 19% of key informant participants did not know whether lack of
police protection is a problem in Jacobsville. This is another indication of the importance of
communication of resources that are available to address crime issues.
Lack of Social Bonding and Cohesiveness
One of the top barriers to reducing crime mentioned by key informant and community
discussion participants was the lack of connection among residents. In many respects, there is
not strength in numbers when it comes to efforts to address crime. This sense of disconnection
is fueled by a high transient rate, the high percentage of renters, fear of fellow residents
(particularly those being suspected of drug use/manufacturing/dealing), and a general desire
not to involve oneself in others’ concerns. In addition to these social issues, it should be
acknowledged that Jacobsville as a whole neighborhood is home to over 6,000 residents and
covers almost two square miles. The sheer size of the area poses challenges from a community
development and collaboration perspective. Additionally, the neighborhood association has
experienced changes in leadership and is currently attempting to reorganize. At present, many
respondents do not see the neighborhood association as a resource that has the capacity to
engage and bond residents.
While low social bonding and cohesiveness were noted, it is important to look to the
resources that were acknowledged by respondents and are central to fostering a sense of
community. Such organizations as Jacobsville Join In, the west sector of the Evansville
Police Department, the Dream Center, Jacobsville Neighborhood Improvement Association
and other community organizations are key to supporting development of connections
and communication among residents and employees in the Jacobsville neighborhood.
Key Factors to Support Reduction of Crime
While several protective factors were mentioned throughout the presentation of crime drivers,
such key factors that support reduction of crime in Jacobsville are noted below.
Diverse Mix of Organizations, Facilities, Services, and Recreation Areas
Jacobsville is a diverse, urban neighborhood that is located a few miles north of downtown
Evansville in the western half of the city. Many large businesses, including a hospital, energy
company, and manufacturing organization, are within the boundaries of the neighborhood.
Jacobsville is also home to public and private schools, recreational venues, restaurants, and over
6,000 residents. These organizations provide vast resources that can be leveraged to address
crime through collaborative strategies.
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Current Efforts to Address Crime
Key informant interview and community discussion
participants listed over 40 separate examples of
efforts to address crime, with the west sector police
department, Jacobsville Join In, the Dream Center, the
Jacobsville Neighborhood Improvement Association,
and the Byrne grant being among those most
mentioned. Many other community organizations and
events were cited as crime reduction efforts. This
extensive list is indicative of the number of resources
that are present in the community that can be organized to
develop a successful crime-reduction strategy.
Community Development Initiatives
The Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance is one part of a larger community development initiative that
has been occurring in the Jacobsville community. The City of Evansville funded a residentcentered process to develop a Quality of Life Plan for Jacobsville. Residents and other
neighborhood stakeholders have been involved in developing a vision for Jacobsville and
forming action teams to accomplish goals established through the process. Therefore, the
Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance project is not being conducted in isolation but as part of an
integrated plan of community development.
Strong Business Partnerships
With some of Evansville’s largest and well-known employers located in Jacobsville, a strong
connection among those businesses is vital to support community development initiatives,
including crime-reduction efforts such as the Byrne grant process. The Northside Business
Association is an active group of business owners who are involved in community development
efforts and who have a vested interest in addressing crime in Jacobsville. Several business
representatives participated in the key informant interview process, which demonstrated their
willingness to offer support and resources for crime-reduction efforts.
Recreation Areas and Facilities
Jacobsville is home to three of Evansville’s key recreational venues, including Bosse Field, Garvin
Park, and part of the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage. These are areas that bring people into the
Jacobsville neighborhood and provide many recreational options for individuals throughout the
Evansville community. One of the key ways that study participants indicated crime could be
reduced is through the development of various community events. The recreation facilities in
Jacobsville are prime locations for supporting such activities.
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
The Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance project will employ the Hot Spot Policing model described by
the National Institute of Justice (crimesolutions.gov) as “a crime-reduction policing strategy that
uses a disorder policing approach to concentrate on improving physical and social order in highcrime locations…” This model is grounded in the “Broken Windows” theory of crime, which
claims that crime is likely to flourish in areas with high levels of physical and social disorder. The
project will employ two primary prevention components: 1) Situational prevention incorporating activities that stretch beyond arresting violators in Jacobsville to address the
widespread physical and social disorder that, according to our research, represent the root of
Jacobsville’s crime problems. 2) Social Service Actions – collaborating with social service
agencies to help improve social order and address the problem of poverty, a significant crime
driver in Jacobsville.
The project goal and supporting objectives align with the Hot Spot Policing
model, are evidence-based, will address all nine neighborhood crime drivers
and either align or overlap with strategic goals of the Jacobsville Quality of Life
Plan and City redevelopment efforts.
The overarching goal of the Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance is to increase protective factors and
reduce risk factors linked to neighborhood disorder, crime and public safety in Jacobsville. This
goal will be reached through the achievement of five objectives:
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
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
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Objective 1: To increase awareness and organization of community resources
Objective 2: To reduce the number of physical locations in Jacobsville suitable
for criminal activity
Objective 3: To improve perceptions of and sense of fear regarding crime
Objective 4: To increase neighborhood pride, social bonding and cohesiveness
Objective 5: To increase protective factors and reduce risk factors of youth
substance abuse, school and social problems.
Objective 1: To increase awareness and organization of community resources
Evidence based strategies: Community awareness campaign & Citizens Academy trainings
The Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance project will complement current policing efforts and boost
neighborhood awareness of available resources and supports through a coordinated
neighborhood awareness campaign, development and distribution of a community resource
guide and Citizens Academy trainings.
Research-base / Rationale: Jacobsville has resources and initiatives (protective factors) in place
to advance redevelopment and crime prevention efforts…organizations, stakeholders, facilities,
services and recreation areas, community development initiatives and business partnerships. A
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marketing / community outreach campaign
supplemented with Citizens Academy trainings will
enhance these protective factors by bringing them into
public view and building a positive connection while
addressing a key crime driver cited by key informants
and community discussion participants…“Lack of
Knowledge About Resources and Better Organization of
Resources.” Organized community outreach and
awareness activities and Citizens Academy type
trainings are key to improving public perceptions and
garnering manpower, resources and support for
strategic crime prevention initiatives.
Specific activities:

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 JJI will coordinate the marketing strategy to
build a social media and communications campaign;
create marketing materials and purchase ad specialties to be distributed through JJI,
point of purchase displays, neighborhood and community sponsored events.
A community resource guide will be developed and distributed in the neighborhood by
the Jacobsville Youth & Education Workgroup.
The EPD will conduct Citizen’s Academy trainings in Jacobsville to give community
members more exposure to the police officers who are protecting their neighborhood,
help them better understand the law enforcement process and decision-making and
provide a forum for residents and stakeholders to voice concerns directly to the police
department.
Relation to broader economic/revitalization plans (Jacobsville Quality of Life Plan and City
revitalization efforts): Strategy aligns with key objectives of the JJI Safety & Cleanliness and
Youth & Education Workgroups, which are to create a community resource guide for public
distribution and organize a public relations effort to improve awareness and communication of
police tactics, important information, events, activities, statistics and volunteer involvement
opportunities.
Objective 2: To reduce the number of physical locations in Jacobsville suitable
for criminal activity
Evidence-based strategies: Lighting education and improved outdoor and street lighting in
problematic/ hot spot areas; Safety and beautification projects (Crime-Free Multi-Housing
trainings, CPTED education & early Action Grants); and Business development.
Residents and stakeholders will receive CPTED-focused information and education on lighting
techniques to help deter crime, such as dusk to dawn porch lighting and indoor light timers for
residents and improving exterior and community space lighting for businesses and commercial
property owners.
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Research base / Rationale: Improved outdoor
and street lighting is a proven situational
approach to preventing and deterring crime by
reducing opportunity for crime and increasing
the perceived risk of crime in hot spot areas.
The assertion that crime hides in darkness is
applicable to this strategy. Improved
illumination has several intrinsic benefits:
improved visibility encourages increased street
usage, which helps boost natural and informal
surveillance, serves as a psychological deterrent, improves public confidence in community
policing efforts and helps to improve public perception surrounding use of crime reduction
resources. Improved indoor/outdoor lighting environments will make a considerable impact on
both crime and public perceptions and fear of crime.
Specific activities:
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
The Quality of Life Plan Infrastructure & Parks Workgroup is working with the City to
assess neighborhood lighting needs and develop a strategy to address. The Group
conducted a neighborhood survey and is using data gathered through Quality of Life
Planning and the BCJI project to inform the process and identify areas of highest need.
Areas currently under consideration for added lighting include areas most suitable for
improved walking and biking such as North Main Street, parks, etc.
Through the community awareness campaign, residents and stakeholders will learn
about CPTED lighting improvements and will be provided information on available
resources to help improve and/or acquire better lighting.
Relation to broader economic/revitalization plans (Jacobsville Quality of Life Plan and City
revitalization efforts): Strategy supports a Quality of Life Plan Goal of the Infrastructure & Parks
Workgroup, “By 2020, increase walkability and bikeability throughout Jacobsville by repairing
deteriorated sidewalks; providing sidewalks where there are not any; adding a pedestrian land
bridge connecting Kleymeyer Park to Garvin Park; adding bicycle racks at public spaces and
along North Main Street and improving existing street lights.” BCJI strategy and Quality of Life
Plan goal both support the City’s plan to transform North Main St. into a Complete Street with
less street parking and more biking and walking areas. Nearby vacant lots will be transformed
into off street parking lots.
Evidence-based strategies: Safety and beautification projects (Crime-Free Multi-Housing
trainings, CPTED education and early action grants).
Crime-Free Multi-Housing and CPTED Trainings will be coordinated in partnership with the EPD.
Safety & Cleanliness Workgroup is working to reduce and prevent litter by conducting a
neighborhood litter survey and is using data gathered through Quality of Life Planning and the
BCJI project to inform the process and identify opportunities for successful litter prevention
strategies. Jacobsville Join In will continue to administer an early action grant program to
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encourage resident / stakeholder involvement in community improvement projects and
facilitate an annual neighborhood service day in correlation to the Mayoral Proclamation June
18, 2014 proclaimed “Jacobsville Join In Day.”
Research-base / Rationale: Research shows physical features of neighborhoods and city blocks
as relevant factor in crime rates and crime-related outcomes. “A successful crime requires, at
minimum, three things: an offender, a victim and a suitable location.” BCJI research
determined that 37% of hot spot crime happened in multi-family units. The Crime Free MultiHousing initiative, established in Evansville in Jan. 2013, (pioneered by MEZA Arizona PD in1992)
reduces police calls, stabilizes resident base and improves physical infrastructure. CPTED and
beautification projects are effective in deterring crime, improving appearances and rekindling
neighborhood pride. Activities will boost community awareness and confidence in
neighborhood crime prevention and redevelopment progress, motivate and empower residents
and stakeholders to take action and close the divide between law enforcement, crime
prevention and the community. 1. CPTED based strategies will enhance the perceived risk of
detection and apprehension and lead to reduced incidences of criminal activity in locations
incorporating CPTED design. 2. Improving the physical condition of neighborhoods and
business districts will convey ownership and care, which will alter offender perceptions of the
area’s vulnerability for a successful criminal act. 3) Crime-Free Multi-Housing certification will
help improve quality of rental properties, management practices and renters.
Specific Activities:
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JJI will coordinate the Early Action Grant Program. During the project period, it is
projected that ten to twelve early action grants will be awarded through an
application/screening process. Amount of the grant awards will be at the discretion of
the early action grants committee, consisting of BCJI Project Manager, resident,
community foundation representative, faith/school community representative and
business representative. Grant award range will be $250 – $1,000. Projects that most
closely align with the goals and objectives of the Quality of Life Plan and the BCJI Project
and are targeted in one or more of the previously defined Priority Areas will receive
highest consideration. Past resident/stakeholder driven projects have included
neighborhood beautification, youth recreation, community building activities, small
events to boost neighborhood pride and cohesiveness, trash/litter clean up, etc.
The EPD Crime-Free Multi-Housing Unit will conduct rental-owner education sessions
covering applicant screening, rental agreements, identification of illegal activity, eviction
processes, roles of working with the police, crime prevention, code enforcement, public
health, licensing, inspections, and proactive property management. Crime-Free MultiHousing Certification training phases I, II, III with CPTED emphasis will also be
coordinated. Priority Focus Area 2 (previously mentioned) will be highly targeted, as
78.3% of the area is renter occupied.
CPTED educational information will be distributed to home and business owners.
Periodically home and business owner CPTED trainings will be coordinated through the
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Jacobsville Neighborhood Improvement Association and Jacobsville Area Community
Corporation and Community One.
Relation to broader economic/revitalization plans (Jacobsville Quality of Life Plan and City
revitalization efforts): Strategy aligns with Quality of Life Plan Goal of the Housing Workgroup,
“Improve quality of rental units measured by self-reported data,” and “Improve existing owneroccupied housing stock measured by self-reported data.”
Evidence-based strategies: Business development.
Strategic business development initiatives will be implemented in partnership with the Quality
of Life Plan Business Corridors Workgroup.
Research base / Rationale: Economic development supports a total neighborhood restorative
approach to crime prevention by helping to transform problematic, vacant commercial buildings
into attractive options for business expansion, relocation
and start-up. The Jacobsville BCJI Business
Development strategy will work to reduce the number
of “suitable” locations in Jacobsville by repurposing
them into thriving places of business, opportunity and
recreation. The strategy will augment efforts already
underway in the North Main corridor. In early 2014
the City declared Jacobsville a Cultural District and is
currently in the process of transforming the North
Main corridor and a portion of Virginia St, into
Complete Streets using TIF funds and CPTED concepts.
The initiative will mesh Jacobsville’s intrinsic physical
character with fresh, new projects…walking/biking
routes to Evansville’s growing Greenway trail,
attractive, new bus stops and highly visible place making
projects to entice businesses and organizations to take a chance on Jacobsville. The aim is to
change community perceptions of Jacobsville’s public spaces and send a message to would-be
offenders that Jacobsville is no longer a “suitable” location for criminal activity. Assumption:
New business growth will reduce the number of vacant commercial properties in the
neighborhood and will show visible progress toward change, which will improve public
perceptions, reduce locations suitable for crime and repel would-be offenders.
Specific activities:

ECHO, with input from the Quality of Life Plan Business Corridors Workgroup, will hire a
strategic business development consultant (via bidding process). The consultant will
work with members of the Workgroup to assess Jacobsville’s competitive strengths,
define primary target audiences and needs and create a strategic business development
plan and new branding for the neighborhood, emphasizing Jacobsville’s primary
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
business corridor, North Main St. The Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance will pinpoint
specific vacant commercial properties to be targeted for business development.
Relation to broader economic/revitalization plans (Jacobsville Quality of Life Plan and City
revitalization efforts): Strategy aligns with two Quality of Life Plan goals of the Business
Corridors Workgroup, “By 2017, Northside Business Association leads facilitation for
recruitment, retention and sustainability of businesses for the Jacobsville neighborhood to
promote health business corridors,” and “By 2016, create a brand around Jacobsville that
celebrates the history and uniqueness of the neighborhood.”
Objective 3: To improve perceptions and sense of fear regarding crime
Evidence-based strategies: Community Policing / EPD Foot & Bicycle Patrols/Guardian
Placement/Neighborhood Signage
The EPD West Sector Crime Unit will increase law enforcement presence, including bicycle and
foot patrol time in Jacobsville with emphasis on Priority Focus Areas. The EPD’s Guardian
surveillance vehicle will be placed in problematic areas upon request and neighborhood watch
and litter prevention signage will be placed throughout the neighborhood. The aim is to curb
criminal activity, enhance community partnerships and keep officers in touch with residents,
stakeholders and neighborhood activities.
Research base / Rationale: The Community Policing model shows great promise in citizen
engagement in design, implementation and evaluation of law enforcement programs. All
policing activities through the Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance are grounded in the basic
principles of community policing while also incorporating activities to address specific needs and
concerns of Jacobsville residents and stakeholders. Law enforcement can become more
proactive, sensitive to community concerns and focused in treating crime problems when
relationships and community partnerships are forged.
Specific activities:


Through ECHO Housing Corp., the EPD West Sector Crime Unit will increase
neighborhood foot and bike patrols and officer presence at neighborhood sponsored
events and meetings (i.e. Neighborhood Improvement Association, Jacobsville
Community Corporation, Jacobsville Join In, etc.) Our research suggests that
stakeholders would like more opportunities to publicly interact with police. Police
officers hired to work with the BCJI project will have experience and existing ties to
Jacobsville and a genuine willingness and desire to build trust and rapport with residents
and stakeholders.
EPD will increase Guardian surveillance in Jacobsville. The “Guardian” is a neighborhood
surveillance unit equipped with cameras that are placed in front of problem houses to
monitor illegal activity. The truck is fortified to protect against vandalism. The
Guardian’s purpose is to address quality of life issues such as loud music, litter, loitering,
disorderly conduct, and more generally unsupervised and ill-mannered youth. The
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance

Guardian will be placed in problematic locations with emphasis on the Priority Areas
previously discussed. Problem areas are determined by calls-for-service and
neighborhood complaints. When a suitable location is identified, the Guardian will be
parked in front of the problem property for several days as a visible message that the
EPD is aware of the problem and is monitoring those responsible. Law-abiding residents
will know their complaints are being heard and those causing problems will know they
are being watched. The EPD will speak with problem residents and businesses about
the complaints and explain why the vehicle is parked in front of their house or business.
The Safety and Cleanliness Workgroup will coordinate development and placement of
neighborhood watch and litter prevention signage. The Workgroup will organize an art
design contest for neighborhood youth. Four designs will be selected for litter
prevention signage and the top 12 designs will be selected for inclusion in 2016 wall
calendar to be distributed in the neighborhood.
Relation to broader economic/revitalization plans (Jacobsville Quality of Life Plan and City
revitalization efforts): Strategy aligns with a Quality of Life Plan goal of the Safety & Cleanliness
Workgroup, which is to “Advance neighborhood safety by utilizing community government and
law enforcement resources.”
Objective 4: To increase neighborhood pride, social bonding capital and
cohesiveness
Evidence-based strategies: Collaborative Services and Supports for Children Youth & Families
and Circles® Anti-Poverty Initiative
Youth work experiences and family support
services, fellowship and recreation programs will
be provided to Jacobsville families, coordinated by
ECHO Housing Corporation (Jacobsville Join In) and
the Dream Center.
Research base / Rationale: There are a number of
research studies and supporting data to confirm an
important link between out-of-school time
opportunities and involvements, delinquency and
crime. An after-school recreation program in
Ottawa, Ontario indicates recreation programs may
be promising intervention for preventing delinquency and violence. The Dream Center is
located in the Jacobsville neighborhood and has been serving Jacobsville youth and families for a
number of years with emergency services, after-school and summer academic and recreational
programs and family supports. ECHO Housing serves Jacobsville’s homeless population by
providing children and families residing in Lucas Place, a permanent supportive apartment
building with educational supports, recreation and parenting support. Assumptions: Before a
community can achieve collective efficacy (ability to maintain order in public spaces), it must
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
first have social capital (interdependence, ties and relationships within a community).
Children, youth and families can benefit greatly from connecting education and recreational
activities that help them bond, provide access to support networks and resources and help
youth build important developmental assets for life success.
Specific activities:


The Dream Center will continue two successful youth development programs. The
Working Dreams program is a successful out-of-school time program that works to keep
youth engaged in education through tutoring, mentoring, and life skills programs
offered on a daily basis. Programs help maintain and improve grades and build stronger
relationships with the Dream Center, the staff, volunteer mentors and parents. In 2015
Working Dreams program will serve 40+ Jacobsville area youth. Classes will meet once
per week for two hours for the course of one year. There will be additional meetings as
needed as well as field trips, leadership classes, internships and resume classes offered
to the students who participate. This spring the Dream Center launched a new program
just for high school girls, the Girls’ Night program. The program fills an important need
of providing girls with positive female role models through mentoring relationships with
women in the community. Women are invited to share their stories of success and their
talents with the girls in hopes of inspiring them. Activities this summer included
learning to bake, sewing classes, yoga classes and discussions on self-esteem and body
image. The aim is for these relationships and examples of the women involved to help
girls feel empowered and inspired to be a strong, successful women.
Through its new Family Enrichment Center, EHC will expand its early childhood
education and literacy program; provide homework supervision and tutoring, afterschool and summertime recreation activities and life/ job skills assistance to parents.
Relation to broader economic/revitalization plans (Jacobsville Quality of Life Plan and City
revitalization efforts): Strategy aligns with two Quality of Life Plan goals of the Jacobsville Youth
& Education Workgroup, “Organize neighborhood churches and organizations to increase
capacity to provide services and resources for Jacobsville youth educational programs and
activities” and “Promote Jacobsville vision to residents, families and stakeholders by
coordinating neighborhood networks, resources, life skill and civic education opportunities.”
Circles® is coordinated by a community coalition of partners led by the Evansville Christian Life
Center, who serves as lead agency and fiscal agent. Circles® will be promoted to Jacobsville
families through targeted mailings and community outreach. The program aims to eliminate
poverty by 1) a community partnering with an individual or family to move out of poverty and 2)
a community partnering together to break the cycle of poverty in their community. Evidencebase / rationale: Research identified “economic deprivation and high poverty rates” as a key
crime driver in Jacobsville. Generational poverty was cited as a key barrier to reducing crime in
Jacobsville. The poverty rate among Jacobsville residents under age 5 is 70.3%. Significant
research indicates a direct link between poverty and crime. “Economic factors, such as
disparity, deprivation and unemployment, put individuals at risk of criminal activity.” According
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
to the Social Disorganization Theory of Crime, high poverty areas tend to have social and
environmental risk factors that make it difficult for those areas to avoid becoming fragmented
and socially disorganized. Circles® is a nationally renowned, promising practices anti-poverty
model first pioneered by Move the Mountain Leadership Center in 2007.) Since its launch in
Evansville in 2010, on average local Circle Leaders have experienced 48.2% increase in income,
63% reduction in public benefits and a 131% increase in the number of people they say they can
count on for friendship and support. Assumptions: Individuals, parents and families can benefit
socially, emotionally and financially from participation in peer support networks.
Specific activities:



During the project period, Jacobsville residents will receive mailings to promote the
initiative and provide enrollment details. Residents residing in the Priority Focus Areas
will be more aggressively targeted. (i.e. Priority Focus Area 2 has a poverty rate of
45.1% and unemployment rate of 21.2%.) Circles® will also be promoted through
previously described BCJI marketing and public relations activities. Interested residents
will inquire directly to the Evansville Christian Life Center where they will be asked to
complete a self-assessment survey to determine eligibility and potential for success in
the program. Note: Circles® is best suited to families who are permanently housed and
highly motivated to leave poverty. The self-assessment survey helps to determine
eligibility. Those who are not ready for Circles enrollment will be referred to other
forms of assistance and encouraged to reapply once they achieve certain prerequisites.
Circles® is a three-phase program that empowers participants to become leaders,
community advocates and volunteers for systemic change. This is accomplished
through community resources, community allies and community gatherings. Phase One
consists of life skills development classes provided through the Evansville Christian Life
Center and facilitated by partnering individuals and agencies. Phase Two is a 15-week
Circle Leader training course that leads potential Circle Leaders through a series of
discussions and team-based activities including collective community poverty
assessment, rules of class, creating mental models and tools and understanding
personal poverty situations. Participants graduate from training as Circle Leaders ready
to form a Circle of support, which is Phase Three. A Circle consists of 1) Circle Leader
(households direct their own Circle and journey out of poverty), 2) two-four allies
(upper, middle and lower class intentional friends) offering support and encouragement
to the Circle Leader, 3) Support (assessment, financial literacy, planning and training), 4)
weekly community meetings (building relationships and resources), monthly Big View
meetings (affecting what is done about poverty). Big View meetings are held monthly at
the Evansville Public Library, Central Library location and anyone in the community is
welcome to attend. Big View meetings host guest speakers concerned with the issue of
poverty such as the Evansville Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity, Community
One, Property Owners and Managers Association (POMA), etc.
Big View meetings will be promoted to Jacobsville residents and stakeholders through
the BCJI project for education opportunities, information sharing, networking,
relationship building, promoting volunteerism and community engagement. In addition,
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance

EHC and JJI will participate as Big View guest speakers to promote the BCJI Project and
neighborhood improvement efforts.
The Evansville Christian Life Center provides a number of other emergency and life
development programs aimed at addressing root causes of poverty. These include food
pantry and hot meal program, clothing assistance, life skills classes, Pregnancy Resource
Centers, parenting support programs, fatherhood initiative and 12-step program. All
Social Service programs will be marketed to Jacobsville families as part of a
comprehensive community awareness campaign (detailed above) involving direct mail,
presentations coordinated through JJI and other neighborhood initiatives, neighborhood
schools (Delaware School and North Junior & Senior High Schools), referral partnerships
and social media.
Relation to broader economic/revitalization plans (Jacobsville Quality of Life Plan and City
revitalization efforts): Strategy aligns with a Quality of Life Plan goal of the Jacobsville
Youth & Education Workgroup, “Promote Jacobsville vision to residents, families and
stakeholders by coordinating neighborhood networks, resources, life skill and civic
education opportunities.”
Objective 5: To increase protective factors and reduce risk factors of youth
substance abuse, school and social problems.
Evidence-based strategies: Youth Substance Abuse Prevention & Family
Strengthening Programs (Strengthening Families 6-9 & 10-14,
Reconnecting Youth)
Youth First, Inc. will deliver the Strengthening Families 6-9 & 10-14
Programs and Reconnecting Youth in collaboration with Delaware
School, North High School and other community partners. Researchbase / Rationale: 83% of key informant interview respondents
indicated that illicit drug use is a “fairly big” or “huge problem” in
Jacobsville and in 2012 Jacobsville narcotics dealing reports
represented 12% of the overall City reports. Community-based
adolescent substance abuse prevention and family strengthening
programs implemented in partnership with schools, government and
community groups has been proven effective in increasing protective
factors and reducing risk factors linked to youth substance abuse and
other unhealthy, destructive behaviors. According to Youth First, Inc.,
the proposed programs (detailed below) have been rigorously
evaluated through a number of methods and protocols with results to show improvements in
substance abuse, academic performance, behaviors, tendencies, parenting skills, family
environment, functioning and bonding, emotional status, pro-social skills and more.
Assumptions: Multiple interventions at multiple levels will help youth, adults/parents and the
broader community develop life skills, increase knowledge about importance of parent/adult
bonding, which will lead to decrease or delayed substance use/abuse, decrease in youth
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
problematic behaviors and tolerance for youth substance abuse and increase in adult-youth
bonding and school engagement.
Specific Activities:


Youth First, Inc. will deliver the evidence-based Strengthening Families 6-9, 10-14
Programs and Reconnecting Youth Program in partnership with the EPD, courts, EVSC
and Jacobsville schools (Delaware School (K-6), and North High School), ECHO Housing
Corporation and neighborhood churches. These programs are listed on SAMHSA’s
National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. Strengthening Families 6-9
© is a research proven family skills training program designed to reduce risk factors for
substance use and other problem behaviors in high-risk children of substance abusers
including behavioral problems, emotional, academic and social problems. Although
originally developed for children of high-risk substance abusers, it is widely used for
non-substance abusing parents. The program builds on protective factors by improving
family relationships, parenting skills, and improving the youth's social and life skills.
Strengthening Families 10-14© is a research proven program that addresses the root
cause of substance abuse and other social problems by improving the interrelationships
of families and boosting the ability of youth to resist peer pressure. The program has
been proven effective in:
 Delaying the onset of adolescent substance use.
 Lowering levels of aggression.
 Increasing the resistance to peer pressure in youth.
 Increasing the ability of parents/caregivers to set appropriate limits and
show affection to and support of their children.
Reconnecting Youth is a semester-long class designed to re-engage students at high risk
for substance abuse, depression, anxiety and dropping out of school. Youth First is a
community leader in youth substance abuse prevention and family strengthening
programs and works closely with schools, churches, businesses, colleges, communities
and other agencies to provide a menu of proven programs and strategies.
Relation to broader economic/revitalization plans (Jacobsville Quality of Life Plan and City
revitalization efforts): Strategy aligns with three Quality of Life Plan goals of the Jacobsville
Youth & Education Workgroup, “Organize neighborhood churches and organizations to
increase capacity to provide services and resources for Jacobsville youth educational
programs and activities,” “Promote Jacobsville vision to residents, families and stakeholders
by coordinating neighborhood networks, resources, life skill and civic education
opportunities,” and “Build community among residents and stakeholders at Delaware
Elementary School.” Family Strengthening and prevention programs delivered in
partnership with Delaware School will enhance Quality of Life Plan objectives to facilitate
leadership training and assist in the development of an active PTA organization for the
school.
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
Opportunities to Join In!
Attend Jacobsville workgroup meetings
Jacobsville working groups meet monthly to develop and implement action steps to achieve
neighborhood goals on topics that are important to the neighborhood. Coordinating across six
key themes (Housing, Safety/Cleanliness, Business Corridors, Youth/Education, Employment and
Infrastructure/Parks) for Jacobsville:
Business Corridors meets the second Monday monthly, 4:30 p.m., DiLegge’s
Safety & Cleanliness meets the second Monday monthly, 6:00 p.m., Jacobsville Join In
Employment meets the second Tuesday monthly, Noon, Jacobsville Join In
Infrastructure & Parks meets the second Tuesday monthly, 4:00 p.m., Jacobsville Join In
Housing meets the second Wednesday monthly, 11:30 a.m., Jacobsville Join In
Youth & Education meets the second Wednesday monthly, 4:30 p.m., Stringtown Library
Join the Jacobsville Planning Committee and/or Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
Contact Jacobsville Join In Community Mobilizer/BCJI Project Manager:
Jennifer Mason Evans
Phone: 812-746-8933
Email: [email protected]
Participate at neighborhood events and meetings
Jacobsville Neighborhood Improvement Association
Meets the third Tuesday monthly
6:30 p.m.
St. Paul’s Community Center, 16 E. Michigan St.
North Side Business Association
Meets the fourth Tuesday monthly
5:30 p.m.
DiLegge’s Banquet Room, 607 N. Main St.
Jacobsville Citizen’s Academy
Contact Police Training Unit:
Debbie Baird
Phone: 812-436-4948
Email: [email protected]
Crime Free Multi-Housing Program or Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
Contact CFMH Coordinator:
Kevin Corbin at 485-3061
Eric Krogman at 435-6116
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
Report Crime
Call 911
Call Evansville Police Department Tip Line: 812-435-6194
Report Crimes Anonymously with WeTip: 1-800-78-CRIME
Register with Jacobsville Join In to receive newsletters and E-Updates
Contact Jacobsville Join In Program Assistant:
Leeanne Pease
Phone: 812-746-3886
Email: [email protected]
Follow Jacobsville Join on facebook, youtube and twitter @JJICMobilizer
Join Jacobsville neighbors on nextdoor.com
Learn more about Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance crime prevention and reduction programs
with our partners.
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
26
Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance Program Partners
ECHO Housing Corporation envisions communities where everyone has a place to
call home and the opportunity to thrive. The Mission of ECHO Housing Corporation
is to create and sustain safe and affordable housing, provide supportive services
and promote community development.
414 Baker
Evansville, IN 47710
Website: echohousingcorp.org
Phone: 812-423-8422
Jacobsville Join In (JJI) engages people to work together to solve problems and
change their neighborhood for the better. Our role is to see that the people and
structures are in place to create coherence and integrity for the neighborhood. *JJI
is responsible for expanding the membership base, maintaining a focus on action,
and preserving democratic, participatory structures and processes. We accomplish
neighborhood engagement by:
Listening to residents and stakeholders, who know the community, while
helping them to develop the self-confidence to try new things.
Sharing information and raising questions, options, alternatives and
problems that affect the collective power the neighborhood can wield.
Doing fair share of the work, while striving never to do for others what
they can do for themselves. In other words, work with, not for, the
neighborhood.
Empowering individuals to speak for themselves by identifying and
developing a diverse group of members who agree to serve as the
neighborhood’s public voice on a variety of issues.
Understanding the power relationships and political agendas surrounding
an issue, and analyzing the social, political and economic forces that shape
the community to develop sound organizing strategies based on this
power analysis.
Recruit and develop leaders, seeking to discover the skills, talents and
interests of current and potential neighborhood leaders, and encourage
shared leadership – believing that everyone has the potential to lead if
given the opportunity.
Build public relationships based on the general needs of civic and
community life.
Facilitate meetings and strategy sessions that are productive and focused.
*
Adapted from Western Organization of Resource Councils “How to Understand the Role of a Community Organizer.”
The JNIA is a network of neighborhood residents, businesses and industry, the
professions
and government working together for progress and a positive
Email:
[email protected]
community
in areas of housing, public safety, economic development,
Phone:
(812)image
746-8933
justice,
health, education, quality of life, and the promotion of neighborliness.
Web:
jacobsvillejoinin.com
The goal is to promote improvement of the area through education, community
participation and exertion of influence on the public and private sectors.
Meetings are the third Tuesday monthly, at St.Paul’s Community Center, 16
E. Michigan St.
Email: [email protected]
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
27
The goal of the Citizen’s Academy is to give members of the community an
inside look at the various units of the police department and to create better
understanding and communication between citizens and police through
education.
Citizens’ Academy
Debbie Baird/Police Training Unit
(812) 436-4948
Email: [email protected]
A new way for EPD, local landlords, and tenants to work together to combat
the issues of crime and nuisance behavior at duplexes, apartment
communities, and other rental properties, the program addresses issues
through better tenant screening, attempting to ease eviction processes, better
sharing of information between communities and EPD, education on criminal
behavior and its infectious nature, and involving the community residents and
landlords together by assigning them both responsibility and accountability,
without decreasing their voice in how their community is run.
Crime Free Multi-Housing & Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
Officer Eric Krogman
(812)435-6116
Email: [email protected]
Officer Kevin Corbin
(812)485-3061
Email: [email protected]
We pledge to provide each citizen of Evansville the highest standard of
performance. We are committed to making law enforcement decisions that are
fair and unbiased. The Evansville Police Department understands the significance
of diversity, fairness, human rights, and justice. The Evansville Police are
dedicated to performing our law enforcement duties in a professional manner
that serves all communities regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation,
ethnicity, religion, disability, nationality, belief system, and social status.
Evansville Police Department
15 NW Martin Luther King Jr. BLVD
Evansville, IN 47708
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.evansvillepolice.com
TIP LINE: (812) 435-6194
GUARDIAN REQUEST: (812) 435-6135
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
28
Diehl Evaluation and Consulting Services, Inc. measures the impact of programs,
services, and ideas. We provide objective and reliable support to schools,
businesses, and community agencies by using data to help make decisions!
Website: www.diehlconsulting.org
The Evansville Christian Life Center exists to restore people through Jesus Christ.
We believe God created each person with value and a story to share. We come
alongside individuals and families caught in the struggles of poverty, unplanned
pregnancy, addiction and other issues.
Circles: Circles is a community initiative designed to eliminate poverty on both a
personal and community level. It is based on a proven model that provides
training and support to low-income families by leveraging community resources
and increasing social capital.
Circles Big View: Big View is a community meeting hosted by the Circles Network
and held on the 4th Thursday of every month. The purpose of the Big View
meetings is to increase awareness of the challenges and barriers that families in
poverty face as they struggle to achieve self-sufficiency. By focusing on matters
that affect the community as a whole, Big View focuses on creating strategies
that will create a community where everyone can live well.
509 S Kentucky Ave # 1
Evansville, IN 47714
(812) 423-9222
Website: restoringpeople.com
At the Dream Center, we have created a place where we can help children realize
their dreams. A place where children can come to feed not only their bodies, but
their mind and spirit. They do this by participating in our nutritional, educational,
and recreational programs. Our vision is to touch the lives of children and help to
influence them in a positive way.
The Working Dreams program is a successful out-of-school time program that works
to keep youth engaged in education through tutoring, mentoring, and life skills
programs offered on a daily basis.
The Girls’ Night program fills an important need of providing girls with positive
female role models through mentoring relationships with women in the community.
Women are invited to share their stories of success and their talents with the girls in
hopes of inspiring them.
16 W Morgan Ave
Evansville, IN 47710
(812) 401-5558
Website: www.dreamcenterevansville.org
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Jacobsville Crime Free Alliance
29
Youth First’s mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidencebased programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors,
and maximize student success.
Youth First Programs help youth and families become better by:
 Improving youth social and leadership skills
 Promoting positive choices for healthy youth development
 Teaching youth coping skills to help lower risk factors and peer
pressure
 Reinforcing parenting techniques
 Building family communication strategies
Strengthening Families: This 7-10 week universal program is for all parents or
caregivers with children ages 3-5, 6-9 or 10-14. The program offers a family
dinner along with fun and interactive parent, youth and family sessions.
Reconnecting Youth: This semester-long program taught by the YF Social
Worker and school staff is an intervention program for high school teens at risk
for dropping out of school due to drug involvement, school performance
and/or emotional distress.
111 SE Third Street, Suite 405
Evansville, IN 47708
Website: www.youthfirstinc.org
The Department of Metropolitan Development is currently undergoing two
exciting initiatives in Jacobsville. The Jacobsville Quality of Life Planning
initiative is bringing unprecedented neighborhood leaders and stakeholders to
the table in a grass-roots planning effort that will set a new vision for
Jacobsville with an action plan for achievable results. Simultaneously, we are
updating the existing Jacobsville Redevelopment Area Plan.
The Building Commission's enforcement of the Property Maintenance Code is
intended to protect the public health, safety and welfare in all existing
residential and nonresidential premises by enforcing minimum requirements
and standards for premises, structures, equipment, and facilities. We address
concerns from citizens about Property Maintenance Code violations by phone,
e-mail, walk-in to the office or a written letter mailed to the office.
Civic Center Complex
1 N.W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
Evansville, Indiana 47708-1833
Website: www.evansvillegov.org
Department of Metropolitan Development: (812) 436-7823
Property Maintenance: (812) 436-7885
April 23, 2015