ABOUT THE OFFICE
1. What is the Office of Community Safety, and why was it created?
The Office of Community Safety was established by Mayor Indya Kincannon in August 2021 from a recognized need to address and reduce violence within the community through a coordinated and strategic approach. Acting as a central hub, the office unites city departments, community organizations, and local stakeholders to collaboratively develop and implement sustainable solutions focused on enhancing public safety and promoting social equity.
2. How is the Office of Community Safety different from the Knoxville Police Department?
The Office of Community Safety focuses on prevention, intervention, and long-term community building. We partner with residents, nonprofits, and service providers to create solutions to the violence that can negatively impact the quality of life for residents.
The Knoxville Police Department focuses on law enforcement, engagement, and immediate public safety response.
This work cannot be sustained by any one entity. It takes collaboration. Although our approaches differ, we are committed to violence reduction in Knoxville.
3. What kinds of programs or initiatives does the office support?
The Office of Community Safety’s initiatives include:
•
Youth Violence Prevention Week Grant
•
Project TLC
•
Opportunity Youth Engagement Grant
•
On My Block Community Investment
The Office of Community Safety does not offer direct services. In order to support community safety, we partner with community-based organizations through the initiatives above.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
4. Does the Office provide direct services to residents, or does it work through community partners?
We DO NOT provide direct services. Instead, we work through community-based organizations. Our role is to provide funding, coordination, and technical support so trusted local groups can deliver services directly to residents.
5. What is Project TLC, and which neighborhoods does it serve?
Project TLC is a place-based strategy that invests resources directly into neighborhoods most impacted by violence. TLC areas receive enhanced outreach, community events, youth programs, and safety initiatives designed in partnership with residents.
Project TLC currently serves a 7-block area of East Knoxville, Western Heights, and Montgomery Village.
6. How can residents get involved with Project TLC?
Each Project TLC area has partnership councils that meet once per month to discuss concerns for their area, resources needed for progression, and ways to enhance their community. You can join a partnership council by contacting Star Starks.
7. Will Project TLC expand to other areas?
Expansion of Project TLC will be data-informed and reflect the needs of impacted communities.
8. Can someone attend my group or neighborhood meeting to share more about Project TLC?
Yes! Please contact the Office of Community Safety, and we will gladly share our Violence Reduction Plan.
9. What is Street Outreach? What role do Violence Interrupters and Life Coaches play?
Street outreach is a proactive approach to community safety where trained staff (Violence Interrupters) build trusted relationships directly in neighborhoods most impacted by violence. Instead of waiting for people to come to an office, outreach workers meet individuals where they are to connect them with support, mediate conflicts, and prevent violence before it happens.
Life Coaches work one-on-one with individuals most at risk to help them set and reach personal goals.
Their role is to:
•
Provide consistent mentorship and guidance.
•
Help participants create action plans for education, employment, or family stability.
•
Offer emotional support and accountability.
•
Connect participants to needed services and opportunities.
While Violence Interrupters focus on stopping immediate harm, Life Coaches focus on building long-term change so individuals can break cycles of violence and thrive.
Street Outreach is currently contracted through the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform. The organization is called Knoxville Peace. For more information, please contact NICJR.
10. How does the Office support youth violence prevention?
We invest in the amazing work of local non-profit organizations. Prevention can be mentoring, summer activities, leadership development, and internships that give young people positive pathways, life skills, and access to a brighter future. Additionally, the City of Knoxville Empower Knox Initiative supports youth engagement. (Insert link to Empower Knox)
FUNDING
11. When will grants be available?
Grant opportunities will be shared in the Grants section of the Office of Community Safety and Empowerment website.
12. Am I eligible to apply?
Grant eligibility is based on the specific grant. Please review the grant guidelines to determine if you qualify.
13. How does the Office decide which organizations receive funding or support?
Each grant cycle, a grants committee is created to review applications and select organizations to be funded. Generally, funding decisions are based on grant applications, alignment with violence reduction goals, capacity to serve high-risk populations, and community need.
PARTNERSHIPS
14. Who are the main community partners working with the Office of Community Safety?
The Office of Community Safety works with a wide range of systems-level and community partners, including:
CONTACT
15. Where is the Office of Community Safety located?
The Office of Community Safety is located in the City County Building.
16. How can I contact staff for more information?
LaKenya Middlebrook at
[email protected]
Star Starks at
[email protected]
17. How do I report a safety concern in my neighborhood?
For emergencies, please contact the Knoxville Police Department. For tips and information, please contact Crime Stoppers. For community concerns, please complete the form.