Through the first quarter of 2024, crime continues to trend in a positive direction throughout the City of Knoxville.

Based on the preliminary numbers compiled by the Knoxville Police Department’s Crime Analysis Unit, through March 31, 2024, the number of non-fatal shooting victims were down 58 percent compared to the same time in 2023. There were six murders through the first three months of 2024. That is even with the number of murders at the same time in 2023, but three below the five-year historical average and two below the 10-year historical average.

Additionally, all priority property crimes are down a combined 20 percent compared to the same time in 2023. Priority property crimes include burglary, vehicle burglary, and motor vehicle thefts. Reported vehicle burglaries are down 52 percent compared to the same time in 2023, while motor vehicle theft reports are down 21 percent.

All priority crimes against person are down a combined six percent, though robberies are up from 26 incidents through March of 2023 to 37 incidents through March of 2024. After a brief surge in the early part of 2024, the number of robbery incidents has seen a 31-percent decrease over the past 28 days.  

“We continue to enjoy a meaningful reduction in crime through the early part of 2024,” Chief of Police Paul Noel said. “I am proud of our officers’ consistent efforts to make Knoxville as safe as possible. Our officers are doing an exceptional job of both making themselves visible throughout the community and aggressively targeting violent, habitual offenders to remove them from the streets. Our close working relationship with the City’s Office of Community Safety and Empowerment and the City’s partnership with the Violence Reduction Center are also making a difference.”

“As I continue to stress, public safety is job number one, and I am so proud to see so much significant progress across our city,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon. “These trends continue to reinforce the power of collaboration. Together, KPD, the Office of Community Safety and Empowerment, and all of our violence reduction partners are making a big difference when it comes to the safety and well-being of all Knoxvillians.”