CHATTANOOGA - It is among the feedback city leaders hear the most, "reduce crime in Chattanooga." A key part of Mayor Andy Berke's plan is the 'Violence Reduction Initiative,' which started in High Point, North Carolina. Wednesday, the city's public safety coordinator updated the community on where things stand.
In October, city council approved $280,000 on a study tied to the High Point Initiative. Public safety coordinator Paul Smith says researchers have been busy performing intense crime mapping of Chattanooga, to reveal the individuals driving the violence. In the meantime, the city is busy assembling intervention teams to sit down and talk with gang leaders.
"When you talk to these individuals, it's like talking to anyone else. They want something better for their children," says Paul Smith.