Violence Prevention Pilot Program kicks off Memorial Day Weekend

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga partnership will kick off its pilot program this Memorial Day weekend in attempt to prevent violence among young Chattanoogans.

The Violence Prevention Pilot Program kicks off this weekend. It will be in effect on select weekend nights from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m.

The Kelly Administration announced the program on Friday. It is a collaboration between the Chattanooga Police Department, 423 Chainbreakers and Downtown Chattanooga Alliance.

In the pilot, the 423 Chainbreakers will spend time downtown Chattanooga in areas where young people congregate. There will also be a heavier police presence in those areas.

“The hardworking men and women of CPD do an excellent job enforcing the law in Chattanooga and have worked hard to build deep relationships with our community. But in addition to arresting people after a crime is committed, we need to reach people before they turn to criminal activity,” said Mayor Tim Kelly. “The 423 Chainbreakers’ work in other parts of Chattanooga has made a real difference, and we’re excited that they’ll be coming to downtown.”

The 423 Chainbreakers are a local violence prevention group that works with young people. They try to build relationships with the community and steer them away from violence and crime, according to the City of Chattanooga. They added that the group has been successful in the Avondale and Bushtown area.

This pilot program will take place on select weekends throughout this summer.