Tennessee Ranks As 2nd Most Violent State

By Jerry Askin You might be shocked to hear this, but Tennessee made the list of the top 10 most violent states in the country.That's according to a recent study done by the Institute for Economics and Peace. And Tennessee has maintained its top 10 ranking for the past 12 years.The report shows Tennessee ranking as the 2nd most violent state in the country. It's shocking news for many. The Future is Ours Gang Task Force say it's time for change here in our area and all across the state."It's always going to be kids unfortunately with guns shooting each other, but our responsibility as a community is to minimize that," says Boyd Patterson, the Future is Ours Gang Task Force Coordinator.Chattanooga city leaders know all about our city's crime and gang activity. This month alone, we've had 4 reported shootings, 2 of which were deadly. The year to date, our records show  43 shootings, in 9 of those, the victim died. But, the crime is not just in Chattanooga. According to a recent study, Tennessee ranks 49th on a list of most peaceful states in the country....meaning we're the 2nd most violent state In the U.S."It's motivating to find out what other states are doing that's been successful in the past - and use the data here to find out specifically why our kids are joining gangs," says Patterson.Boyd Patterson says the city is anxiously waiting for results of a comprehensive gang study. In the meantime, he says the city has been working with local organizations to try and reduce crime and keep kids out of gangs. They're also supporting the new RICO law recently passed in Tennessee aimed at prosecuting entire gangs.Our state's ranking is no shock to residents like Jerry Haymons."It's not surprising at all because every night you hear something going on. I've got a scanner at home and I hear constantly all these things going on around us," says Haymons.Sarah Fenderson works at Rita's in downtown Chattanooga. She's seen her fair share of crime in the area."Obviously I'm concerned because we do work downtown, and we are here late on the weekends and stuff," says Fenderson.The 5 most peaceful states on the list are Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Minnesota and North Dakota. The number one most violent state is Louisiana. The rankings on this national study are based on economic, health, education, and demographic factors.The results of the city's comprehensive gang assessment will be presented before the city council at a meeting sometime next month.