By being members of a community, we all have a responsibility to work together and provide a safe and inviting place to live. Taking an active role to minimize potential risks is a proactive measure all community members can take. Help protect your community, by reporting suspicious activity before it becomes a crime.
Don’t Invite Problems.
Responsibilities Outside Your Residence
| Do | Don’t | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Keep your lawn clear of debris
Use proper trash receptacles Contact the city to report City Code violations Make sure outdoor lighting is functioning properly |
Gather a collection of cans or jars on your lawns
Ignore street or house lights that are burnt out Prop open doors or windows |
If it looks as if you don’t care, why should anyone else? |
Panhandlers
| Do | Don’t | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Report aggressive behavior
Avoid confrontation If you feel uncomfortable, tell them to leave you alone Be wary of giving money or food to the homeless |
Allow garbage or recycling to be picked through
Initiate aggression Let your guard down Keep furniture, such as couches outside |
Allowing these things to go on, over a period of time, can lead to potential problems in your neighborhood. |
Alcohol
| Do | Don’t | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| If over 21 years of age, drink in moderation
Enjoy social settings Look out for your friends If hosting a party check ID’s |
Serve alcohol to minors
Open your residence to strangers Leave friends unattended Do anything you wouldn’t normally do sober
|
Aside from the negative social concerns of opening your home to strangers and leaving friends unattended, hosting large parties could lead to you and your guests facing criminal charges. |
Noise
| Do | Don’t | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Have fun with your friends, listen to music | Allow your music or party to get out of control and be heard two blocks away at midnight | Violating the Knoxville City noise ordinance could cost you a hefty fine, and no one wants to live next to “that” house and could lead to problems with your neighbors and the rest of the neighborhood. |