Place-Based Strategies to Reduce Crime and Foster Community Connections

Sunday, October 19, 2025

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM MT

Location: Mile High Ballroom 2A/3A, Colorado Convention Center

Police departments have traditionally struggled to align their strategies for reducing crime with efforts to improve community relations. In modern policing, agencies must find ways to effectively respond to crime while meaningfully engaging with community members. Holistic, place-based strategies offer a powerful integration of crime reduction and community engagement. In late 2023, the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) launched its place-based strategy initiative, combining traditional crime prevention tactics with modern approaches and leveraging partnerships to reduce gun violence and build community trust. This presentation will explore the philosophy and implementation of KPD’s place-based strategy, including outcome measurement and strategies for gaining buy-in from both officers and residents.

Submitter(s)

Scott Erland

Communications Manager
Knoxville Police Department, Tennessee, United States

Speaker(s)

Brian Evans

Deputy Chief of Field Operations
Knoxville Police Department
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
Nevin Long

Captain
Knoxville Police Department
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
Christine Mullan

Crime Analysis Supervisor
Knoxville Police Department
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
Paul Noel

Chief of Police
Knoxville Police Department
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States