More than 120 residents heard about crime perceptions and realities from four panelists at Bessie Smith Hall today.
The panelists were: Chattanooga police Sgt. Toby Hewitt, Weed and Seed site Director Vivian Hixson, Ochs Center President David Eichenthal and Chattanooga Endeavors head Tim Dempsey, head of Chattanooga Endeavors.
The event sprang from responses to a Stand-sponsored survey of more than 26,000 residents who listed crime as their number one community concern, said Josh McManus, co-founder of Stand.
Much of the message from the panel was for residents to take responsibility and get involved.
“Get to know your neighbor on a personal note,” said Sgt. Hewitt.
He advised residents to communicate with police and connect with local services that help youth or offenders returning to the community from prison.
Ms. Hixson pointed to combined efforts in the city to tackle crime through education, job availability and police work.