Knoxville Gun Violence Problem Analysis
Learn More about Knoxville Gun Violence Problem Analysis
Our Violence Reduction Work in Knoxville
Since June 2023, NICJR has supported the City of Knoxville in developing, implementing, and refining a comprehensive gun violence reduction strategy (GVRS). NICJR’s work in Knoxville has included conducting a Cost of Gun Violence study, Landscape Analysis, Gun Violence Problem Analysis, providing ongoing support to the Office of Community Safety and Engagement Director and staff, and delivering Life Coaching trainings. Additionally, NICJR has supported the City in establishing and refining Shooting Reviews and Coordination Meetings and strengthening its data tools and processes.
Through the Landscape Analysis, NICJR found that the handful of organizations created in response to the city’s gun violence challenges tend to focus on prevention efforts with youth or long-term community transformation efforts, rather than immediate violence intervention. In response, NICJR is working closely with the City to develop and implement the Knoxville Peace community violence intervention initiative.
Knoxville Peace
After two years of conducting research and providing technical assistance and training, the City of Knoxville requested that NICJR manage the direct service Community Violence Intervention (CVI) work. In July 2025, NICJR launched Knoxville Peace. Knoxville Peace (KP) is a CVI initiative developed in partnership with the Knoxville Mayor’s Office, Office of Community Safety and Empowerment, Knoxville community, and NICJR. The program provides intensive, focused support to individuals at the highest risk of being involved in gun violence.
Knoxville Peace employs a team of credible messenger Outreach Workers and Life Coaches who have similar lived experiences as the young people they serve. KP Life Coaches have intensive engagement with their participants, developing positive and trusting relationships with them by talking to them every day, and seeing them in person three to four times per week. Life Coaches develop detailed Life Plans with each person on their caseload and connect them to needed services. If participants achieve certain milestones on their Life Plans, they are eligible to receive monthly financial incentives.
After full and effective implementation for at least 12 months, NICJR will transition the KP program to a local community-based organization, while NICJR will continue to provide training and technical assistance.
Knoxville Peace Team
The Knoxville Peace’s Team has extensive experience serving Knoxville communities through local community-based organizations and programs. Collectively, they have worked in Knoxville’s highest-risk neighborhoods and with individuals who have been impacted by gun violence and the criminal justice system.
- Mickeeya Harrison, Knoxville Peace Program Manager
- Kodi Mills, Senior Violence Interventionist
- Lamont Johnson, Intensive Life Coach
- Orlanda Wells, Intensive Life Coach
- Q Vinson, Intensive Life Coach
Impact of GVRS
The City’s commitment to GVRS has already shown positive results; in 2024, Knoxville saw an extraordinary 45% year-over-year reduction in nonfatal shootings and a 4% reduction in fatal shootings.
