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Violence reduction team in Knoxville meets to reflect on crime prevention efforts

Knoxville's Violence Reduction Leadership Team is reviewing its progress after the city saw a more than 30% decrease in homicides.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Violence Reduction Leadership Team met on Thursday to go over the progress the city has made in reducing violence. Leaders formed it in 2023 after the city recorded more than 30 homicides in 2022, higher than typically seen in Knoxville.

In 2022 there were 36 murder or manslaughter victims. In 2023 there were 24, a 33% decrease. The group said those numbers show their efforts to reduce crime are working.

“Reductions in homicides in 2023 means there are 12 more people who are alive today,” said Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon.

The team is made up of law enforcement officers, church groups and community-based groups. The group’s goal is to reduce homicides and non-fatal shootings by 10%, each.

Thomas Abt, the founding director of the Violence Reduction Center at the University of Maryland, said the group is focusing on three strategies to reduce violence.                                          

“Focusing on the highest risk people and places,” says Abt. “Focus on the most dangerous places in the city, and meaningfully incorporate community work in all of our strategies.”

Last year, the group’s goal was exceeded. Homicides decreased by almost 35% and shootings decreased by 12%.  Mayor Kincannon credited the decrease to KPD's efforts to fight crime.

She also said she believes KPD is successful because they are building trust with the community.

“It’s important we do this hand in hand with the community," she said. “We have a project, 'TLC.' We call it that because it’s about tender love and care. It’s not about trying to arrest people; it’s about saving lives.”

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