The City’s Violence Reduction Leadership Team meeting will host Violence Reduction Center founder Thomas Abt, Thursday, February 1, 2024 at the Knoxville Area Urban League (1514 E. 5th Ave.) from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Abt, who is also the author of the book Bleeding Out: The Devastating Consequences of Urban Violence and a Bold New Plan for Peace in the Streets, will present an analysis of the past year’s progress and look at strategies for Knoxville for the years to come.

It has been just over a year since the City of Knoxville joined forces with the VRC and the latest crime stats show a nearly 35% decline in murders.

Abt, Office of Community Safety and Empowerment Director LaKenya Middlebrook, and Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel will all be available for media interviews immediately following the meeting.

The City of ensures meaningful access to City programs, services and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request language translation services, contact the City’s Human Resources Department at [email protected] or 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at [email protected] or 865-215-2034.