KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Police Department released its preliminary crime numbers for the first quarter of 2023.
KPD said crime numbers are "continuing to trend in the right direction" after reporting significant decreases in 2022.
As of April 9, 2023, according to preliminary citywide data compiled by the KPD Crime Analysis Unit, murders were down 33% compared to the same time in 2022, according to a KPD release.
The number of non-fatal shooting victims was down 13% year-to-date from 2022. Robberies were down nearly 30%, vehicle burglaries were down 16% and motor vehicle thefts were down 10%, according to KPD. All reported property crimes were down 14% citywide, including a nearly 30% drop in reports of burglary or breaking and entering.
KPD said through April 9, 2023, in the East District, the number of murders was down 50% and the number of non-fatal shooting victims was down 29% compared to the same time in 2022.
In the Central District, murders were down 100%, while aggravated assaults and robberies were down 24 and 31%, respectively, according to the release.
In the West District, robbery was down 33%, while vehicle burglaries and burglary reports were down 35 and 38%, respectively, according to KPD.
As of April 9, 2023, here are the year-to-date numbers compared to 2022, according to KPD:
Murders
- 2023: 6
- 2022: 9
Non-fatal shooting victims
- 2023: 20
- 2022: 23
Robbery
- 2023: 32
- 2022: 44
Motor Vehicle Theft
- 2023: 241
- 2022: 267
Burglary / Breaking and Entering
- 2023: 185
- 2022: 261
Theft from Vehicle
- 2023: 505
- 2022: 599
“I am proud of the men and women of our department for their exceptional work through the first quarter of the year,” Chief Paul Noel said. “I believe these numbers are a reflection of our officers’ unerring commitment to our fundamental mission as an organization to reduce crime. There is still work to be done, as always, but I am encouraged by the first-quarter data and very proud of our department’s collective efforts.”