Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Knoxville’s Project TLC initiative is showing significant success in reducing violent crime, improving trust between residents and police, and delivering tangible improvements in neighborhoods across the city.
A final evaluation report found substantial declines in violent crime in areas participating in the program, which focuses on addressing the underlying causes of crime through collaboration between residents, law enforcement and city agencies.
Project TLC, which stands for “Tender Loving Care,” originally launched in East Knoxville, Montgomery Village and Western Heights. The program targets issues linked to violence, including poor lighting, lack of youth opportunities, neighborhood conditions and strained relationships between communities and police.
Violent Crime Drops Significantly
According to the evaluation, violent crime in Montgomery Village was approximately 60 percent lower than researchers projected would have occurred without the program.
The report also noted broader public safety improvements across Knoxville. The city’s murder rate fell from nearly 17 per 100,000 residents in 2022 to approximately seven per 100,000 residents in 2025.
For residents who experience the changes daily, the improvements are easy to see.
“We’ve seen violent crimes drop pretty drastically,” said Travis Henderson, a ministry director who has served Montgomery Village for decades. “In my five years, I would say this is the safest that our community has ever been.”
Residents Say Trust in Police Has Improved
The report found residents living in Project TLC neighborhoods reported greater trust in both police officers and city leaders compared with residents in neighborhoods outside the program.
Participants also cited more positive interactions with officers, particularly involving communication, problem-solving and responsiveness to community concerns.
Jackie Young, who has spent nearly 45 years working at the Western Heights Baptist Center, said police visibility has helped residents feel safer.
“A lot of these residents are scared because of all the violence,” Young said. “But if there’s a police presence, that gives them a sense of assurance.”
Young said officers regularly visit the Baptist Center and have developed strong relationships with neighborhood residents.
Program Produces Real-World Improvements
Community leaders say Project TLC has delivered more than crime reduction.
Henderson pointed to a long-sought traffic safety improvement near his after-school program, where children cross a busy street daily.
For years, requests to convert a two-way stop into a four-way stop were denied. Through Project TLC and support from the Knoxville Police Department, the change was finally approved.
“I give out 2,500 after-school snacks a month and that equates to children’s lives,” Henderson said. “With the way people were driving, it was very dangerous.”
He credited the partnership with helping accomplish what residents had unsuccessfully pursued for years.
Families Feel Safer
Young said one of the most meaningful changes is seeing children outside again.
“A lot of people wouldn’t let their kids even come out and play before, but now they have that assurance that they’re going to be safe,” she said.
She hopes future investments will include additional recreational opportunities, including a neighborhood park.
“That would make a big, big impact on these kids,” Young said.
Fighting Stigma Alongside Crime
Community leaders say reducing crime also helps combat negative perceptions that have discouraged outside investment and volunteer involvement.
Henderson said neighborhoods such as Montgomery Village have often faced unfair stigmas.
“What this is doing is giving us an opportunity to bring in people and businesses from outside and help them feel safe,” he said.
He emphasized that crime is not limited to any single neighborhood and believes Project TLC’s success can help change public perceptions.
Program Expands to Lonsdale
Following success in its original neighborhoods, Project TLC expanded into Lonsdale in April 2026.
The evaluation found residents identified several root causes of violence, including:
- Drug activity
- Anger and personal conflicts
- Limited employment opportunities
- Housing challenges
Residents said addressing those issues will be key to sustaining long-term progress.
Looking Ahead
Community leaders say the results are encouraging, but the work is far from finished.
Henderson hopes continued investment will bring new housing, stronger economic opportunities and additional resources for families.
Meanwhile, organizations like the Western Heights Baptist Center continue serving as safe spaces for local youth.
“A kid can come here anytime if he’s in trouble,” Young said. “We’ll be that safe place.”
With Project TLC now expanding to additional neighborhoods, city leaders hope its combination of community partnerships, neighborhood improvements and focused public safety efforts can continue producing results across Knoxville.
Project TLC reducing crime (WVLT)
