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BTH: Juvenile Crime Factors and Solutions in Memphis

Juvenile crime has been an increasing concern in Memphis as statistics show a rising juvenile crime rate.

Members of the Memphis Justice and Safety Alliance are looking at long-term approaches to the problem.

The Rev. Ayanna Watkins, executive director of the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH), believes that desperation is at the heart of a lot of crime, and by addressing those needs "people don't have to get desperate and make poor decisions."

This week on WKNO-TV's Behind the Headlines, Watkins joins Tikeila Rucker, a political organizer for Memphis for All, Josh Spickler with Just City and Julia Baker of the Daily Memphian for a discussion with host Eric Barnes.

In addition, guests talk about new public safety ordinances approved by the Memphis City Council, bail reform and more. 

Reporting from the gates of Graceland to the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, Christopher has covered Memphis news, arts, culture and politics for more than 20 years in print and on the radio. He is currently WKNO's News Director and Senior Producer at the University of Memphis' Institute for Public Service Reporting. Join his conversations about the Memphis arts scene on the WKNO Culture Desk Facebook page.