Knoxville Police Department 2010 Annual Report - City of Knoxville

East District
Geographically, the East District is 51 square miles. It is bordered by I-275 / I-75 on the west, Emory Road
to the north, John Sevier Hwy. to the south, and Midway Rd to the east. This area of neighborhoods and
thriving businesses is a great example of the diversity of the city and citizens of Knoxville.
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:
• The East District has experienced an increase in DUI and felony arrests.
• Knoxville Police Department began working with the Knox County Attorney General’s Office on an aggressive
program to improve conditions in the city by targeting properties with ongoing criminal activity.
Using the State Nuisance Property Law, East District officers took part in the execution of search warrants
and criminal court injunctions against several businesses with ongoing criminal and order maintenance
issues. This program has allowed law enforcement to close these properties until the business becomes
legally compliant and has added a great tool to the Knoxville Police Department’s ability to address
chronic problems.
• The Liaison Officer Program, which pairs beat officers with neighborhood groups, was expanded in 2010
to include 14 officers and 17 community groups.
• Officers attended 198 community and business meetings last year, focusing on a collaborative response to
community issues.
• East District officers began an active program of bicycle patrols in the city’s parks and greenways, and
expanded this program to include focus areas where an increase in crime was identified.
Page 19
2010 Annual Report