OPEN LETTER FROM VANDERBURGH COUNTY PROSECUTOR MOERS Re: NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

May 15, 2023 OPEN LETTER FROM VANDERBURGH COUNTY PROSECUTOR MOERS Re: NATIONAL POLICE WEEK Dear Vanderburgh County Law Enforcement Community and Citizens, In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed the week of May 15 National Police week. During this week, we remember the law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. I want to share something that I have not yet shared. I wrote the below after the shooting incident inside the west-side Wal-Mart in January of this year, which occurred just a couple of weeks into my term as Prosecutor. I drafted the below words in preparation for the press conference after staying up that night to review the body cam footage of our law enforcement. Although I did not share my thoughts at that time, I did save them, and I want to share them now: “I am more confident than ever in our law enforcement. Their professionalism and bravery are truly inspiring. Those that dedicated and risked their lives to come to the aid of others are truly the best of us. I want to thank them not only as the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor, but as a citizen of this county. Your willingness to run into danger and use every tool you had to keep us safe is true heroism. I thank God that you all came out safe.” The sentiment above continues to grow stronger as I work with our local, county, state and federal law enforcement. As you may know, Vanderburgh County has an unprecedented amount of criminals using guns in our community. But I can guarantee we are working tirelessly to gather all of the resources we have to fight back, and I Iook forward to updating you on our efforts—even more so, I look forward to our success in this fight (which we will win).

I also want our community to reflect on a number that is unknown: the crime that is prevented daily due to the dauntless efforts of our law enforcement. The number of crimes that have not occurred is, of course, unquantifiable— but I rest assured that it is a large number. I look forward to many years of crime prevention, enforcement, and justice alongside our law enforcement partners who are well-trained, tough, and fair. Above all, I remember those who have lost their lives. Every day I work hard to honor those that put their lives in danger so that we can proudly call Vanderburgh County home. Your Prosecutor, Diana L. Moers