Community Rallies Together in Savannah After Police Scanner Discontinuation
Savannah, Ga. – In the sun-soaked charm of Savannah, residents are feeling a little uneasy these days. Since May, the Savannah Police Department (SPD) has stopped using Broadcastify, a popular online platform that allowed users to listen to public safety scanner traffic. This change has left many community members searching for answers and solutions.
The Decision Behind the Discontinuation
Residents began asking the question: Why would SPD reduce access to such important information? According to an SPD spokesperson, the department’s decision stemmed from the resources required to manage and maintain the service, which, they felt, wasn’t justified by the relatively small number of listeners using it. “Public information on SPD activities can alternatively be found on our numerous social media platforms and our mobile app,” they stated.
Feeling left in the dark, many locals took it upon themselves to create new ways to stay informed. Among them is **Diana McGaw**, a mother from Baldwin Park, who launched a Facebook page called Savannah Signal 7. This page has become a community hub for residents to share and discuss neighborhood happenings and concerns.
A Mother’s Concern
McGaw expresses serious concerns about the safety in her area. “We’ve seen some scary stuff off and on in our neighborhood,” she explains. From big shootouts happening right in front of her home to gunfire dangerously close to her children’s playroom, McGaw emphasizes how unsettling recent events have been.
Before the discontinuation of Broadcastify, McGaw used to log on whenever she heard gunshots or saw police activity. “It was like a lifeline for the neighbors, you know, just to find out what was going on around our neighborhood,” she said. With this tool taken away, the uncertainty of **when**, **where**, and **why** disturbances occur looms large for families like hers.
Community Safety at Stake
Despite recent data showing a decrease in aggravated assaults compared to last year, there has been an alarming increase in homicides and rapes, stirring worry amongst residents. “The amount of gun violence in Savannah is untenable, and the residents are suffering for sure,” McGaw asserts. “We want to know which blocks are potentially dangerous. Should we avoid certain areas? Is it safe to drive the kids around at certain times?”
These questions reflect the pressing need for residents to stay informed about their surroundings, especially concerning their loved ones’ safety.
Social Media as an Alternative
While McGaw does appreciate SPD’s efforts to use social media platforms like X to disseminate information, it still doesn’t replace the real-time updates that Broadcastify provided. “I think everyone would love for the department to reconsider their choice and bring Broadcastify back,” said McGaw, speaking for many residents who felt abandoned in terms of accessing critical and timely information.
What’s Next for Savannah Residents?
As Savannah continues to navigate these challenging times, residents are hopeful that their voices will be heard by local authorities. The desire for transparency and communication with the police is growing stronger, and many are rallying together to ensure they don’t miss out on essential updates that could significantly impact their daily lives.
For now, Savannah signals a united front — a community that cares deeply about safety and wants to return to a place of comfort and peace. What started as a simple decision by the SPD has ignited a fire within the community, fostering a spirit of togetherness fueled by a shared need for information and safety.
