Crime prevention has remained an intrinsic goal of the Knoxville Police Department's efforts. The centralized unit offers expertise beyond the field officers' basic training in such areas as community mobilizing and crime prevention through environmental design. They may work with a neighborhood organization to get initial meetings under way , but their goal is for the beat officer to take over that interaction. The department recognizes that some neighborhoods and situations need more support and assistance than others. Every beat officer has ready access to key support components including crime analysis and crime prevention, with just a phone call.
Beat officers are eager to get more crime prevention training.
This advisory group played a major role in developing the city's crime control plan, focusing on the quality of residents' lives as the key to preventing crime. Specific goals under this plan help focus resources and results. The long-term goal, according to Chief Keith, is to move from the Police Department policing the community with help from residents to residents policing themselves with help from the police.