Violence Reduction Initiative
Violence Reduction Initiative
Launched in 2024, the Violence Reduction Initiative (VRI) is a research center dedicated to the study and reduction of violent crime in Tennessee and beyond. Through its focus on community-based partnerships, the VRI acts as a hub for collaboration between researchers, criminal justice agencies, service providers, community organizations, and local leaders. We work together with these partners to develop and evaluate strategies for addressing violent crime and its correlates. Simply put, the VRI is committed to producing practical, evidence-based solutions to real-world problems impacting our communities.
Partnerships and External Funding
The VRI is proud of the work it has done with its community partners. Many of these efforts have also benefitted from external funding from grant-funding agencies, such as the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Examples of these collaborative efforts include:
Recidivism Reduction Initiative
Community Partner: Hamilton County Alternative Sentencing
Funding Source: Bureau of Justice Assistance Second Chance Act Smart Supervision Program
Award: $844,294
Summary: The Recidivism Reduction Initiative (RRI) was a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing Hamilton County Tennessee’s Alternative Sentencing (HCAS) misdemeanor supervision program through: (1) implementation of evidence-based risk/need/responsivity, trauma and domestic violent assessments, an incentive/consequence matrix, and provide training to the probation officers; (2) hiring a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSCW); (3) hiring a Community-Based Alternative Sentencing Officer; and (4) providing funding for services for participants when other funding sources are not available. Particular focus was placed on gauging the risk of violence among clients, providing cognitive behavioral therapy, case management for high-risk clients, and addressing trauma-based correlates of offending and recidivism. Their efforts were supported by researchers within the VRI, who worked to assess the impact of RRI initiatives on multiple measures of risk, offending, and recidivism at both an individual and aggregate level.
Chattanooga United to Reduce Violence
Community Partner: City of Chattanooga Office of Community Safety and Gun Violence Prevention
Funding Source: Bureau of Justice Assistance Office of Justice Programs Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative
Award: $2,000,000
Summary: The City of Chattanooga aimed to build upon existing violence intervention and prevention efforts by proposing the Chattanooga United to Reduce Violence (CURV). This initiative was designed to bring stakeholders together to address violent crimes by using comprehensive, community-based, and resident response programming in high-crime, high-risk populations. Strategies included introduction of wraparound support services for families and trained violence interrupters. Their efforts were supported by researchers within the VRI, who worked to assess the impact of CURV initiatives on a multitude of outcome metrics associated with gun violence at both an individual and aggregate level.
Working Together
The VRI endeavors to provide individualized assistance that is tailored to the needs of our community partners, including grant support, data analysis, risk/needs assessment, and program evaluation. Whether you are a government agency or non-profit, our research teams are eager to work with you!
If you have questions about partnering with us, contact Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt at [email protected].