Neighbourhood Safety

Shoals, Indiana, is a small, tight-knit community along the White River in Martin County, where neighborhood safety is supported by a combination of local law enforcement, community engagement, and accessible resources. With a population of just 677 (2020 census), the town’s rural charm and low crime rate contribute to its reputation as a safe, family-friendly place. Below is an overview of neighborhood safety resources, emergency contacts, and tips for residents and visitors alike, emphasizing Shoals’ welcoming spirit.

Local Law Enforcement

The Shoals Town Marshal serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the town, tasked with ensuring the safety of citizens, visitors, and businesses. Marshal Matthew Copeland works closely with the Martin County Sheriff’s Department to provide comprehensive coverage. The Town Marshal’s office is reachable through the Shoals Town Hall at 812-247-2110 for non-emergency calls. For emergencies, dial 911, which connects to dispatch services coordinating police, fire, and medical response. The Sheriff’s Department, located in Shoals, can be contacted at 812-247-3726 for additional support or county-wide concerns.

Neighborhood Watch Programs

While there’s no formal, publicized Neighborhood Watch program specifically documented for Shoals, the town’s small size fosters a natural community vigilance. Residents often look out for one another, a hallmark of rural Indiana life. For those interested in starting a watch group, the process is straightforward: contact the Town Marshal or Sheriff’s Department to organize a meeting, identify block leaders, and establish a communication network (like a phone tree or social media group). The National Sheriffs’ Association provides resources for such initiatives, and the Sheriff’s Department could offer training on recognizing suspicious activity. Given Shoals’ close-knit nature, neighbors could easily adapt this model to enhance local safety.

Emergency Contacts

Emergencies (Police, Fire, Medical): 911
Shoals Town Marshal (Non-Emergency): 812-247-2110 (via Town Hall)
Martin County Sheriff’s Department: 812-247-3726
Indiana State Police (Jasper Post): 812-482-1441 or 800-742-7475 (toll-free)
Shoals Volunteer Fire Department: Contact via 911 or Town Hall (812-247-2110)
Martin County EMS: Dispatched through 911
Indiana 211 (Community Resources): Dial 211 or 866-211-9966 for storm damage reporting or assistance
For weather-related updates or road conditions, check the Indiana Travel Advisory Map at on.in.gov/travel-status, maintained by local emergency management.

Community Safety Tips

Know Your Neighbors: In a town like Shoals, building relationships is key. Exchange contact info with nearby residents to create an informal support network.
Secure Your Home: Use sturdy locks on doors and windows, and consider motion-sensor lights. The quiet streets make it easier to notice unusual activity—report anything odd to the Marshal.
River Safety: With the White River running through town, supervise kids near the water and avoid swimming during high currents or after heavy rain.
Winter Preparedness: Snow and ice can make rural roads slick. Keep an emergency kit in your car (blankets, food, flashlight) and check in on elderly neighbors during storms.
Stay Informed: Follow local updates via the Martin County Emergency Management Agency or social media groups like Nextdoor, where Shoals residents share alerts about weather or lost pets.

Community Safety Initiatives

Shoals’ safety efforts often stem from its community-driven ethos. The Shoals Town Hall (812-247-2110) occasionally hosts events that double as safety touchpoints, like the annual Catfish Festival, where locals mingle and reinforce bonds. Additionally, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) supports broader safety through training and emergency planning, accessible at https://www.in.gov/dhs/. For instance, IDHS’s “Get Prepared” site (https://www.in.gov/dhs/get-prepared/) offers tips on winter safety and generator use, vital for rural outages.
Shoals also benefits from its proximity to natural landmarks like Jug Rock, which draws visitors but remains safe due to its visibility and community oversight. The town’s schools, like Shoals Community School, often serve as hubs for safety education, hosting drills or first responder talks. While no large-scale formal initiatives are publicized, the gypsum mines (a major employer) likely enforce strict safety protocols that ripple into community awareness.
In Shoals, safety is a collective effort—less about structured programs and more about neighbors caring for each other. Whether it’s locking doors, watching the river, or rallying during a storm, this town proves that a welcoming, family-friendly vibe and vigilance go hand in hand. For more resources or to get involved, reach out to the Town Marshal or check state sites like https://in211.communityos.org/ for broader support.