The Knoxville Police Department (KPD) has been awarded a $700,000 federal grant to enhance its crime-fighting capabilities, specifically in identifying individuals involved in violent crimes and the firearms used. This funding comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s 2024 Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Integration Initiative, allowing KPD to implement a new Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Chief of Police Paul Noel expressed optimism about the grant, emphasizing its potential to strengthen efforts in reducing violence and identifying key perpetrators of violent crimes within Knoxville. He highlighted the success of CGICs in other cities in pinpointing highly violent individuals, suggesting that this initiative will significantly bolster KPD’s investigative resources and impact gun-related violence in the region.
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Mayor Indya Kincannon also commented on the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling gun violence, noting that the grant will enhance local initiatives to remove violent criminals from the streets.
Crime gun intelligence centers are collaborative efforts that focus on the rapid collection and analysis of crime gun evidence, such as shell casings, to identify shooters and prevent future violence. These centers rely on partnerships between the ATF, local police departments, crime laboratories, and various other entities.
The KPD application was supported by multiple local law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, District Attorney General Charme Allen, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and the University of Tennessee Police Department.
The grant will enable KPD to expand its firearms and ballistics examination capabilities. Currently, a dedicated three-person team within the department’s Forensics Unit conducts firearms examinations to generate investigative leads and connect firearms to crimes using resources like the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). The funding will support salaries, equipment upgrades, and training, allowing Knoxville to remain a regional leader in firearms examinations.
Knoxville is among three cities to receive the maximum grant amount for CGIC implementation. The three-year grant will cover salaries, equipment, supplies, and training, including visits to other CGIC sites for knowledge exchange. More information about the National Crime Gun Intelligence Center Initiative can be found here.
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