EVANSVILLE, Ind. – When most people think of law enforcement, they picture officers in patrol cars or specialized units, enforcing the law on the streets. However, one Evansville officer is now taking on a role that places him in front of the camera rather than behind the wheel. Sergeant Anthony Aussieker has recently taken on the role of Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Evansville Police Department (EPD), becoming the department’s key liaison between law enforcement and the public.
Originally from southern Illinois, Aussieker never imagined himself in law enforcement, let alone working in Evansville. He initially had aspirations of becoming an attorney, but life had other plans. After a variety of roles, including a stint working at Olive Garden and a few years with the Indiana Department of Child Services, Aussieker eventually joined the police force. Despite not having law enforcement as his childhood dream, he found himself drawn to the mission of public service.
“I never thought, ‘I want to grow up and be a cop,’” said Aussieker. “But it all worked out, and it’s been awesome.”
In his 12th year with the EPD, Aussieker has held several positions, from motor patrol to various specialized units. But his most recent transition to the role of PIO is one that he actively pursued. When the opportunity arose to apply for the position, Aussieker, who had long been interested in communications, jumped at the chance.
“I wanted this position. I was excited about it,” said Aussieker. “When I saw the email, I knew I had to apply.”
Now, a few months into his new position, Aussieker is eager to put his own unique stamp on the role while continuing the work of his predecessors. His goal is clear: to bridge the gap between the police department and the public by being more than just a “face” for the camera.
“I don’t want to just be the guy that stands in front of the TV,” Aussieker explained. “I want people to see me as more than just a police officer. I want them to see me as Anthony, someone who’s approachable and transparent.”
For Aussieker, transparency is a key component of his approach. As the department’s voice to the public, he is committed to making the officers of EPD more relatable, showing that they are not just figures in uniform but real people with lives and families. He believes that by humanizing law enforcement, he can foster a greater sense of trust and understanding between officers and the community they serve.
“The goal is to show people that we’re not just enforcing the law. We’re part of this community too,” he said. “When people see you as a person, it disarms them. It’s not just the uniform they see; it’s the person behind it.”
Aussieker’s passion for the role is evident, and his deep connection to the Evansville community shines through in his words. Though he didn’t initially expect to find his home in this city, he and his family—his wife and three boys—have embraced the Evansville way of life.
“When I came on at EPD, it felt like family,” he recalled. “I’ve had great relationships with the people I work with. We got to go to work with friends, and that’s been my experience throughout my career.”
As Aussieker navigates this new chapter of his law enforcement career, he remains grounded and appreciative of how far he has come. Even after 14 years in the field, he still finds moments where he can’t quite believe how far he’s gone, particularly with the opportunity to step into the PIO role.
“It’s something I’ve looked forward to, and now I’m here,” he said, still in awe. “It’s surreal. I can’t believe it happened.”
As he settles into his role, Aussieker’s focus will remain on being an open, relatable presence for the department and the public. With his dedication to community engagement, transparency, and authentic connection, he aims to make the EPD’s presence known in a way that fosters trust, understanding, and positive relationships within the Evansville community.
