The Knoxville Police Department has released the preliminary crime numbers for the first-quarter of 2023, which are continuing to trend in the right direction after significant decreases were reported in 2022.   

As of April 9, 2023, according to preliminary citywide data compiled by the KPD Crime Analysis Unit, murders were down 33 percent compared to the same time in 2022. Additionally, the number of non-fatal shooting victims was down 13 percent year-to-date from 2022, while robberies were down nearly 30 percent, vehicle burglaries were down 16 percent, and motor vehicle thefts were down 10 percent. All reported property crimes were down 14 percent citywide, including a nearly 30-percent drop in reports of burglary or breaking and entering.   

“I am proud of the men and women of our department for their exceptional work through the first quarter of the year,” Chief of Police Paul Noel said. “I believe these numbers are a reflection of our officers’ unerring commitment to our fundamental mission as an organization to reduce crime. There is still work to be done, as always, but I am encouraged by the first-quarter data and very proud of our department’s collective efforts.”   

Through April 9, 2023, the number of murders and non-fatal shooting victims in the East District were down 50 and 29 percent respectively compared to the same time in 2022. In the Central District, murders were down 100 percent, while aggravated assaults and robberies were down 24 and 31 percent, respectively. In the West District, robbery was down 33 percent, while vehicle burglaries and burglary reports were down 35 and 38 percent, respectively.